Is 4 mm a significant overjet?

Jared · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 9:29 am

I am in the process of deciding between extraction of the two upper first bicuspids and lower jaw advancement surgery. I am leaning toward the extractions for a few reasons--namely less trauma and interruption to my life. I already have a beautiful wife so don't need to impress the ladies with a perfect profile. :wink:

So I am wondering if a 4 mm overjet is significant or realtively small in comparison to others who may or may not have had surgery. Your thoughts?

Lisa65 · **Joined:** Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:12 pm **Posts:** 3490

4mm is usually considered to be at the upper end of the "desirable" spectrum. My ortho told me that between 2 and 4 mm is "normal". Mine is 8mm which is pretty large, but I had extractions in my teens so my ortho didn't want to remove any more teeth.
I could have had jaw surgery but instead have chosen to have mini-screw implants in my palate to move my whole arch backwards in my mouth, as there is plenty of room at the back.
If you're not worried about a perfect profile then extractions should give you an acceptable result without all the trauma and disruption of jaw surgery and a long recovery period.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

ssfw · **Joined:** Sat Nov 12, 2005 1:00 pm **Posts:** 652

Hi Jared,

I have a 5 mm overjet which my orthodontist said was mild. Initially he said I may need 2 teeth extracted in the upper arch and to get my overjet fully corrected I can have jaw surgery to move my lower jaw forward. He said he would know more after looking at my X-Rays which I had done after the consultation appt. After reviewing my X-Rays, my orthodontist informed me that he felt he could reduce my overjet by 50-75% using elastics and without extractions. I didn't want to have surgery because my insurance does not cover it. I was satisfied with the reduction that he said he could obtain with the elastics. He said my teeth were very well aligned and I had a crossbite on one side, which was corrected before I got my upper braces using an expander, a 5 mmm overjet and a few minor corrections he will do while wearing braces. I will be getting my lower braces next week (I have had my upper braces for about 3-1/2 months) and not sure when I will begin to wear the elastics to reduce the overjet.

I know a 5 mm overjet isn't severe but it has always been on my mind and when I went in for the consulation I wasn't even aware of my crossbite, I was concerned about the overjet. I knew if I had not proceeded with beginning ortho treatment now I wouldn't do it in the future. My hesitation was due to being an adult wearing braces. It was a difficult decision but I knew if I didn't proceed with the ortho treatment, it would always be on the back of my mind, so it was now or never.

I went to 4 consultations and one said I didn't need braces, one said I needed 2 extractions and full braces, another said I needed a retainer and the ortho I chose. I also felt most comfortable with my orthodontist and his staff - they are so kind and never too busy to answer my questions - this is what has made my ortho treatment a pleasure and I do enjoy going to my appts. My ortho treatment was estimated at 20 months.

You indicated you already have your upper braces - what results did he say you would get without the extracations/surgery. Are the braces alone reducing the overjet and how much of a reduction? If you are not satisfied with the reduction amount he can get without the extractions I do suggest you think about it. But, a 4 mm overjet isn't severe - I think this decision will be how you feel about it unless your orthodontist informed you of pros/cons for the health of your teeth. Just curious, are you going to be getting lower braces? Are your braces now just to correct the overjet or is it to correct other ortho problems? My feeling is if the health of your teeth is not a concern, go with what you feel is best. You are already wearing braces so just be sure you will be happy with how your teeth will look once your braces are removed.

With the extractions, how much will your ortho be able to reduce your overjet and how long will you have to wear braces?

My orthodontist told me that 1-2 mm overjet is the standard.

Keep us posted.

ssfw

jennielee81 · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 11:35 am

Mine was 4mm to begin with and it is now (18 months later) gone on the left side and I am about 1 mm away on the right side. All my ortho had to do with me is use elastics. I had enough room to push everything back to get a good result I guess.

Good luck with your decission!

Jillianleab · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 4:09 pm

I have (had) the mother of all overjets - 10mm! The first ortho I saw told me I'd never have a perfect bite without surgery. I went for another consult with the ortho I ended up choosing, and he said it MIGHT be needed, but we would re-asses in about 6 months. I'm just past the 3 month mark, and my overjet has reduced dramatically, without even having elastics. My advice is to talk to your ortho about your concerns and find out how much your overjet can be reduced. If it's to get the elusive "perfect" bite and profile, you need to decide how important that is to you. For me, personally, having surgery isn't worth a few mm!

Is 4 mm a significant overjet?

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