Can clear aligners fix overjet

Yes for many mild to moderate cases. For larger moves braces or a mixed plan may be better.

How long does treatment take

Aligners often take 6 to 18 months and braces 12 to 24 months. Severe jaw cases can take longer with surgery.

Do I need teeth removed

Only when space is very tight or the front teeth are very far forward. We choose the least invasive plan that stays stable.

Can adults fix overjet

Yes. Adults can choose aligners or braces. Cosmetic treatments can help small visual issues.

Overjet (Buck Teeth): Causes and Corrections

Do your top front teeth sit far in front of the lower teeth. This is called overjet. Some people call it buck teeth. It can make chewing tricky and can affect your smile and confidence. The good news is that help is kind and simple to start. This guide explains why it happens and the main treatments that work.

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Quick answer

Mild to moderate overjet often suits clear aligners like Invisalign.
Braces guide teeth with strong control. Good for larger tooth moves.
Young teens can sometimes use growth guidance to help the jaw fit better.
Adults with severe jaw mismatch may need a joint plan with an oral surgeon.
Small cosmetic cases can use composite bonding or veneers to improve the look. This does not fix the bite.

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What causes overjet

Tooth position

Front teeth can tip forward after crowding or early loss of baby teeth. Habits like thumb sucking can add to this.

Jaw size and shape

The upper jaw may sit forward or the lower jaw may sit back. This can be family related.

Mouth posture

Breathing through the mouth, low tongue posture, or a short lip seal can push teeth forward over time.

Missing or small teeth

Spaces or small lateral incisors can let the front teeth drift outward.

A full check with photos and scans helps us see if your overjet is mostly teeth, mostly jaw, or a mix. Then we can plan the right path.

Treatment choices explained

Clear aligners

Custom trays move teeth step by step. They are nearly invisible and easy to clean. Learn about Invisalign.

Fixed braces

Brackets and wires give precise control. Good for larger overjet and bite correction.

Elastics and small attachments

Small rubber bands or buttons help guide how top and bottom teeth meet.

Growth guidance

For some teens, special appliances help the lower jaw catch up while they are still growing.

Tooth slimming or extractions

In selected cases we make a tiny space between teeth or remove teeth to bring the front teeth back into line.

Cosmetic bonding or veneers

For small visual issues we shape or add tooth coloured material. This improves the look but does not change the bite.

Surgery with braces

For severe jaw mismatch we work with a surgeon. Braces align teeth, surgery sets the jaws, then we finish the bite.

Every smile is different. We will explain gentle options and help you choose what fits your goals and daily life.

Options at a glance

Quick comparison of overjet corrections
Option	Best for	How it works	Look and feel	Daily care	Notes
Clear aligners	Mild to moderate overjet	Series of trays move teeth back and in	Low profile and removable	Wear 20 to 22 hours per day	Great for adults who want a discreet plan
Fixed braces	Moderate to large overjet	Brackets and wires guide teeth	Visible but very precise	Brush carefully around brackets	Often fastest path for complex moves
Growth guidance	Growing teens with jaw mismatch	Appliance encourages better jaw position	Removable or fixed depending on type	Wear as advised for best results	Works only while growth is active
Tooth slimming or extractions	Crowding with big forward tilt	Create space so front teeth can move back	No change in face look when planned well	Normal care with extra floss focus	Used only when needed after full checks
Bonding or veneers	Cosmetic tweaks	Shape or add tooth material	Instant smile upgrade	Regular hygiene and gentle bite use	Does not fix the bite itself
Surgery with braces	Severe jaw difference	Braces align teeth and surgery sets jaws	Planned for long term comfort and function	Close follow up and healing time	For cases where teeth only moves are not enough

Typical timelines

How long each path may take
Option	How long it usually takes	Steps
Clear aligners	About 6 to 18 months	Scans and plan, series of trays, checks, retainers
Fixed braces	About 12 to 24 months	Fit braces, monthly adjusts, finish and retainers
Growth guidance	About 9 to 18 months during growth	Appliance wear, reviews, likely braces or aligners after
Bonding or veneers	One to three visits	Smile design, mock up, fit
Surgery with braces	Often 18 to 30 months total	Braces before, surgery, finish with braces, retainers

How to choose the right plan

Decide what matters most. Look, speed, comfort, or cost.
Think about wear time. Aligners need good daily hours.
Protect tooth enamel. Choose plans that keep teeth healthy.
Ask for a clear written plan and quote.
Keep gums fresh with regular check ups and hygiene visits.

Invisalign treatment Composite bonding Book assessment

FAQs

Overjet is how far the top front teeth stick out in front of the lower teeth. Overbite is how much the top teeth cover the lower teeth vertically. Many people have a bit of both.

Yes for many mild to moderate cases. For larger moves we may suggest braces or a mix of methods. We will guide you after a full check.

Aligners can take 6 to 18 months. Braces can take 12 to 24 months. Severe jaw cases can take longer when surgery is part of the plan.

Only if space is very tight or the front teeth are very far forward. We plan gently and choose the least invasive path that can still give a stable result.

Yes. Many adults choose aligners or braces. We also offer cosmetic options for small changes when bite correction is not needed.

Large overjet can raise the risk of front tooth wear or chips and may affect speech or lip seal. Correcting it can help comfort and tooth safety.