Overjet (Buck Teeth): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026

Quick Answer

Overjet is a type of malocclusion in which the upper front teeth stick out horizontally further than they should, with a gap greater than 2 millimeters between the upper and lower teeth [1]. Causes include genetics, thumb sucking and tongue thrusting [1]. Treatment is not always necessary but can help if it interferes with chewing, speaking or causes facial pain [1].

What the research says

• Protruding teeth are linked to a higher risk of dental injury. In a meta-analysis of 48 studies from India, the pooled prevalence of traumatic dental injuries was 13%, and an overjet greater than 3 mm was associated with higher odds of injury (odds ratio 3.53), similar to inadequate lip coverage (odds ratio 3.35) (PubMed: Tewari et al., Indian J Dent Res, 2020) [2].

• Starting treatment early reduced front-tooth injuries but did not change the final result. A Cochrane review of 27 trials (1,251 participants) found that early treatment with functional appliances lowered the incidence of incisal trauma (odds ratio 0.56; 95% CI 0.33–0.95): 19% of early-treated children had new trauma versus 30% of late-treated children. Final overjet was no different between early and late treatment (PubMed: Batista et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2018) [3].

• Removable functional appliances show the most consistent benefit, but the effect is modest. An umbrella review of 28 systematic reviews on skeletal Class II malocclusion (a common skeletal cause of overjet) found the most consistent improvement with removable functional appliances such as the Twin Block, with mostly low-certainty evidence and no clear benefit of early over late treatment (PubMed: Mundhe et al., Eur J Orthod, 2026) [4].

What is an overjet, and how does it affect you?

Overjet is a specific form of malocclusion, or a "bad bite," where the upper front teeth protrude diagonally or horizontally over the lower front teeth [1]. Most people's upper front teeth sit about 2 millimeters in front of the lower front teeth, which dentists consider normal [1]. Any distance beyond that is clinically defined as an overjet. This condition is frequently confused with an overbite, but the two are distinct: overjet measures horizontal distance, whereas an overbite measures vertical overlap [1].

The impact of an overjet extends beyond appearance. When teeth do not fit together properly, it can cause chewing difficulties, jaw pain, headaches [1], and other issues that may worsen with age if the underlying misalignment is not addressed by a dental professional.

Feature	Overjet (buck teeth)	Overbite (deep bite)
Primary metric	Horizontal distance (protrusion)	Vertical distance (overlap)
Normal range	About 2 millimeters	2 to 4 millimeters (or under 30% overlap)
Clinical threshold	More than 2 millimeters	More than 4 to 6 millimeters (or over 30% overlap)
Common term	Buck teeth	Deep bite

Figure 1: Normal alignment (about 2 mm) compared with an overjet (more than 2 mm).

What are the symptoms and complications of an overjet?

Symptoms of an overjet vary with how far the teeth protrude. Someone with a mild overjet may only notice a slight change in their smile, while those with severe cases (8 to 10 millimeters or more) may have significant physical symptoms [1]. One common issue is difficulty closing the lips completely [1].

If left untreated, an overjet can lead to chronic complications. The misalignment can place uneven pressure on the jaw and teeth, which can result in tooth enamel erosion and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder [1]. In some cases, overjet also makes it harder to brush and floss properly, which can raise the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Symptom category	Common experiences
Functional	Trouble biting or chewing food; speech challenges (less common)
Physical pain	Jaw, face, or tooth pain; chronic headaches
Oral irritation	Ulcers or sore spots on the tongue or inner cheeks from accidental biting
Dental health	Increased risk of cavities and gum disease due to cleaning difficulties

What causes an overjet?

The development of an overjet is often influenced by a combination of hereditary factors and early childhood behaviors. If a biological parent or sibling has an overjet, you have a higher chance of developing one too [1].

Habits during early childhood are also important. Many of these behaviors are natural soothing mechanisms for infants, but continuing them past a certain age can alter the alignment of the permanent teeth as they emerge [1].

Cause	Description of impact
Genetics	Inherited jaw structure and tooth size patterns from biological parents
Tongue thrusting	A swallowing habit where the tongue presses against the back of the upper front teeth; common in babies, but adults can develop it too
Thumb or finger sucking	A natural soothing behavior, but after age 4 it can contribute to overjet
Pacifier use	Prolonged use can cause overjet just like thumb sucking

Figure 2: Genetic and behavioral factors that contribute to buck teeth.

How is an overjet diagnosed?

A dentist can usually tell if you have an overjet during a dental examination [1]. They measure the horizontal distance between the lower front teeth and the upper front teeth [1]. If the upper teeth protrude further than 2 millimeters, you might have an overjet.

Your dentist may also take dental X-rays. These images give important information about the health of your teeth and gums, and they help the provider judge whether the overjet is mainly dental (the position of the teeth) or involves the jaw.

How is an overjet managed and corrected?

Orthodontic treatment is the only way to fix buck teeth; they won't go away naturally over time [1]. The treatment recommended depends on your age, how much overjet you have, and whether it interferes with oral health or chewing function [1]. You can fix an overjet with braces in most cases, but severe overjet (8 to 10 millimeters or more) may need additional orthodontics or jaw surgery [1].

If you are mainly concerned about how a mild overjet looks, cosmetic dentistry can sometimes camouflage the problem [1]. These procedures do not correct the underlying condition, so if the overjet interferes with health or function you may still need braces or surgery [1].

Treatment type	Method and purpose
Orthodontics	Braces, clear braces, or palate expanders to shift tooth position
Appliances	Headgear or a Herbst appliance to guide jaw growth and alignment
Oral surgery	Corrective jaw surgery to reposition the upper or lower jaw in severe cases
Cosmetic dentistry	Dental bonding, veneers, or crowns to improve appearance (camouflage only)

Figure 3: Overjet management pathway from diagnosis to orthodontic and surgical correction.

Can an overjet be prevented, and what long-term care helps?

An overjet cannot always be prevented, because many people are born with one and its genetic causes cannot be prevented. These steps may reduce a child's risk:

• Limit thumb sucking and pacifier use, especially after age 4 [1]

• Avoid traditional sippy cups — sucking on the spout can eventually cause the front teeth to stick out

• Tell your dentist if you notice tongue-thrusting habits

Regular dental check-ups are the best way to monitor dental development and to catch problems early. Tell your dentist whenever you develop new symptoms such as a toothache, facial pain, or pain when chewing [1]. Good oral hygiene also matters for people living with an overjet, since protruding teeth can make some areas harder to reach with a toothbrush or floss.

Key Takeaways

Overjet, commonly known as buck teeth, is a horizontal misalignment where the upper front teeth protrude more than 2 millimeters past the lower teeth [1]. While it is often a cosmetic concern, untreated overjet can lead to jaw pain, chewing and speech challenges, and a higher risk of injury to the front teeth [2] [3]. Treatment options range from standard orthodontics like braces to corrective jaw surgery for severe cases [1].

Take the Next Step

If you or your child shows signs of an overjet, the first step is a comprehensive exam with a dentist or orthodontist. Research suggests that early and late treatment reach a similar final result, but early treatment may lower the risk of injury to the front teeth [3], so ask your orthodontist about timing. For adults, modern options such as clear braces offer a discreet way to improve alignment and overall oral health. And if the appearance of your teeth makes you feel self-conscious, treatment may be easier than you think.

Further reading: Cleveland Clinic — Overjet (Buck Teeth)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between overjet and overbite?

Overjet refers to the horizontal distance upper teeth stick out past the lower teeth (protrusion). Overbite refers to the vertical distance the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth (deep bite). Both are types of malocclusion but are measured and treated differently.

2. Are buck teeth the same as an overjet?

Yes. "Buck teeth" is the common informal term for an overjet, describing upper front teeth that protrude further than the normal 2-millimeter threshold.

3. Can an overjet be fixed without braces?

Orthodontic treatment (braces, clear braces, or other appliances) or surgery is needed to correct an overjet. Cosmetic options like veneers, bonding, or crowns can improve the appearance of a mild overjet, but they do not fix the underlying misalignment or functional issues.

4. Does an overjet get worse with age?

Malocclusions can cause complications that worsen with age, such as jaw pain, tooth erosion, and TMJ issues. Buck teeth will not go away on their own.

5. Is overjet treatment always necessary?

No. Plenty of people do well without an "ideal" overjet, so treatment is not always necessary. However, many choose treatment to prevent complications, improve function, or feel more confident about their smile.

6. Can thumb sucking really cause buck teeth?

Yes. Thumb or finger sucking is a natural soothing behavior for many children, but after age 4 it can contribute to overjet.

7. What is a "normal" overjet measurement?

In a typical, healthy bite, the upper front teeth sit about 2 millimeters in front of the lower front teeth. More than 2 millimeters is considered an overjet.

8. Can jaw surgery fix an overjet?

Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, may be needed for a severe overjet (8 to 10 millimeters or more), often together with orthodontic care.

9. Are there risks to leaving an overjet untreated?

Yes. An untreated overjet can cause facial and jaw pain, TMJ disorder, chronic headaches, and tooth erosion, and research links larger overjets with a higher risk of injury to the front teeth. It can also make brushing and flossing harder, raising the risk of cavities and gum disease.

What is the best age to check a child for an overjet?

Orthodontists recommend a first orthodontic checkup by about age 7. Early and later treatment often reach a similar final result, but early treatment may lower the risk of injury to the front teeth, so ask about timing. Children with protruding teeth should wear a mouthguard for sports.

Related Reading

Overbite: Symptoms, Causes, and Management Strategies explains the vertical bite problem often confused with overjet.

Orthodontics: Braces, Clear Aligners, Retainers, and What to Expect compares braces, clear aligners and retainers and what to expect.

Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery): Procedure and Recovery explains jaw surgery for severe bite problems and recovery.

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD): Symptoms, Causes and Treatment covers jaw joint pain and problems that a bad bite can worsen.

References

1. Cleveland Clinic. Buck teeth (overjet). Cleveland Clinic Health Library. Medically reviewed; last updated October 16, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/overjet

2. Tewari N, Mathur VP, Siddiqui I, et al. Prevalence of traumatic dental injuries in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Indian J Dent Res. 2020;31(4):601-614. doi:10.4103/ijdr.IJDR_953_19. PMID: 33107464.

3. Batista KB, Thiruvenkatachari B, Harrison JE, O'Brien KD. Orthodontic treatment for prominent upper front teeth (Class II malocclusion) in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;3(3):CD003452. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003452.pub4. PMID: 29534303.

4. Mundhe M, Bhattacharjee A, Tewari N, et al. Non-surgical treatment of skeletal Class II malocclusion in children and adolescents: an umbrella review. Eur J Orthod. 2026;48(3):cjaf109. doi:10.1093/ejo/cjaf109. PMID: 42118968.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.