Skip to content
  • Call / Text (310) 785-0770
  • Payment Calculator
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • In The Press
Get $1,000 Off
free consult
BHO White Logo
  • Our Practice
    • Who We Are
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Our Team
    • Meet The Doctors
    • Advanced Technology
    • In The Press
    • Patient Reviews
    • Community Events
  • What We Do
        • Invisalign®
          • About Invisalign
          • Invisalign For Kids
          • Invisalign for Teens
          • Invisalign For Adults
          • Invisalign FAQ
        • Braces
          • Types Of Braces
          • Braces For Kids
          • Braces For Teens
          • Braces For Adults
          • Braces for Seniors
          • Braces FAQ
        • Other Treatments
          • Accelerated Orthodontics
          • Zoom Teeth Whitening
          • Retainers
          • Phase One Orthodontics
          • Family Orthodontics
  • Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Virtual Consult
    • Refer a Patient
    • Overseas Patients
    • Financial Information
    • Orthodontic FAQ
    • Before & After
    • The BHO Edit - Explore Our Blog
    • Emergency Orthodontics
    • Shop
  • Contact
    • Contact Info
    • Careers
    • Beverly Hills
    • Downtown Los Angeles
    • Studio City
    • Alhambra
  • Get $1000 off
  • Free Consult
BHO White Logo
  • Our Practice
    • Who We Are
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Our Team
    • Meet The Doctors
    • Advanced Technology
    • In The Press
    • Patient Reviews
    • Community Events
  • What We Do
    • Invisalign®
      • About Invisalign
      • Invisalign For Kids
      • Invisalign for Teens
      • Invisalign For Adults
      • Invisalign FAQ
    • Braces
      • Types Of Braces
      • Braces For Kids
      • Braces For Teens
      • Braces For Adults
      • Braces for Seniors
      • Braces FAQ
    • Other Treatments
      • Accelerated Orthodontics
      • Zoom Teeth Whitening
      • Retainers
      • Phase One Orthodontics
      • Family Orthodontics
  • Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Virtual Consult
    • Refer a Patient
    • Overseas Patients
    • Financial Information
    • Orthodontic FAQ
    • Before & After
    • The BHO Edit – Explore Our Blog
    • Emergency Orthodontics
    • Shop
  • Contact
    • Contact Info
    • Careers
    • Beverly Hills
    • Downtown Los Angeles
    • Studio City
    • Alhambra
  • Get $1000 off
  • Free Consult
  • Call / Text (310) 785-0770
  • Payment Calculator
  • Blog
  • Get $1,000 Off
GET $1,000 OFF
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • List Item
  • YouTube
  • List Item

Overjet vs Overbite – The Difference and How To Correct

Love Yourself, Love Your Smile

A couple embrace while showing off their pearly whites.
  • Dr. Monica Madan
  • May 7, 2024

If you’re reading this post, chances are that you probably know what an overbite is. It’s a widespread dental issue that many have encountered or heard of before now. But what about overjets? These lesser-known cousins of overbites often fly under the radar for many people.

In this article, we’ll compare overbite vs. overjet to help you better understand both so you’ll know how orthodontists like Dr. Monica Madan and the BHO team can treat them effectively

Overjet vs. Overbite: What’s The Difference?

Overbites and overjets are two related types of dental misalignments, or malocclusions. The word malocclusion refers to a diagnosis for an individual’s top and bottom jaws that don’t align properly when their mouth is closed. With the basics covered, it’s crucial to distinguish between an overjet vs. overbite to comprehend their unique characteristics and implications accurately.

Overjets

3d image of an overjetAn overjet is a type of malocclusion that’s unique because it involves a horizontal overlap of the teeth. In simpler terms, it means the top teeth stickout over the bottom ones. Sometimes, people confuse it with an overbite, but orthodontists can spot the difference easily.

If left untreated, overjets can cause:

  • Difficulty chewing
  • Increased risk of dental injuries
  • Speech difficulties
  • TMJ disorders
  • Self-esteem issues

Overbites

3d image of an overbiteAn overbite is another kind of malocclusion characterized by a vertical misalignment of the teeth (right). It happens when the upper teeth overlap the lower ones more than they should. While a slight overbite is normal, it becomes a malocclusion when the overlap is excessive. Without treatment, overbites can also cause oral health problems, including:

  • Jaw Pain
  • Gum Disease
  • TMJ disorders
  • Tooth erosion
  • Speech difficulties
  • Self-esteem issues

Overjet vs. Overbite: A Comparison

While overjets are often confused for overbites, it’s important to understand the distinction between the two types of malocclusions. While both conditions might appear similar or even occur together, they may require different approaches for correction.

Comparison: Overjet vs. Overbite

 

Overjets

Overbites

Definition 

Horizontal protrusion of upper front teeth

Vertical overlap of upper front teeth over lower

Commonality

Less well-known, but still common

Recognizable and prevalent

Causes

Genetics, jaw misalignment, habits like thumb-sucking

Genetics, thumb-sucking, jaw misalignment

Treatment

Orthodontic treatment:

  • Braces
  • Invisalign
  • Upper arch expansion
  • Teeth removal
  • Reverse-pull head gear (typically in children)

Orthodontic treatment:

  • Braces
  • Invisalign
  • Teeth removal
  • Growth modification devices (typically in children)
  • Surgery

Potential Issues

Functional problems, negative impact on self-consciousness

Wear on teeth, jaw pain, speech difficulties

Severity Assessment

Measured by the distance of horizontal protrusion

Measured by the extent of vertical overlap

Orthodontic Approach

Horizontal realignment of teeth

Vertical realignment of teeth

While there are some clear differences in approach to treatment, both overjets and overbites can be treated with traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign that move the teeth into more ideal positions.

However, the selected treatment will depend on the severity of the condition plus the patient’s specific needs. In either case, early intervention should always be a priority, especially in children, as their treatment can be more effective before their jaws and teeth fully form!

How the BHO Team Corrects Overjets and Overbites

When it comes to overjets vs. overbites, the team at Beverly Hills Orthodontics are uniquely equipped to provide the best possible care for residents of Los Angeles and surrounding areas. That’s because our founder, Dr. Madan, is one of the top orthodontists in the country, and the BHO team uses the latest orthodontic technology and techniques to create specialized and highly effective treatment strategies. 

Our results speak for themselves!

Whether it’s Invisalign, traditional braces, or another treatment path, the BHO team is committed to correcting your overjet or overbite. We’re here to help you achieve the brilliant smile you deserve—one you’ll be excited to show off!

Still need more information on overjet vs overbite? Call us at 310-785-0770 or visit our contact page to book a complimentary consultation today.

Your Smile Is More than just two rows of teeth - it's how you show your personality to the world.

Let Dr. Madan and her team help you help keep your smile looking (and feeling) better than ever.
Request Free Consult
Happy Girl

Get Started Today

Ready to transform your smile?

Request Free Consult
Special Offer

$1,000 Off Invisalign or Braces

Get Started

patient reviews

Enjoy our 5-star experience.

We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our communities with the highest quality care. Check out what our patients are saying about their 5-star experience with us!

smiling-beautiful-girl-her-handsome-boyfriend-casual-summer-clothes-web
Lola
I love it here! I looked a long time for an orthodontist who would take my case. I had a open bite and multiple gaps. BHO was able to correct my situation and are so nice every time I come in the office. Do yourself a favor and choose BHO!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Lola! We're thrilled to hear that our team was able to help with your open bite and gaps. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your recommendation!
Mariah M.
I love the service here! I've had quick and easy appointments since I started coming. The staff is friendly and communicates well. Lilly, Gabriel and Doctor Madan have taken care of me and they are always personable. I definitely recommend!

Angela and Nicole are amazing at the front desk, welcoming every guest with a smile and great customer service!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! Your vote of confidence in our practice is why we do what we do!
Peter W.
Have invisilign through them and they've been incredibly helpful through the entire process! Would recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Peter! We're thrilled to hear that you found our team helpful during your Invisalign journey. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Kevin C.
Good pricing and extremely experienced doctor that is an Invisalign top 1% diamond provider, took care of my bite case extremely well. Flexible appointment scheduling and always seated on time with no waiting. Would recommend to friends and family!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Kevin! We're delighted to hear that you appreciated our fair prices and attentive service. Providing a convenient and timely experience for our patients is a priority for us. We look forward to seeing you again!
Paige S.
The best. Dr Madden is running a first-class office filled with talented attentive staff. This was my second time doing Invisalign. The process was seamless and easy and my teeth look exactly the way I wanted them to look bc of thorough initial consult where the doctor actually asked me my preferences. When does that ever happen? Cldnt be happier.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Paige! We're thrilled to hear that you had a seamless experience with Dr. Madden and our team. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we appreciate your trust in us!
Chelsea C.
Went in for a free consultation. I saw Dr. Serena and Angela who helped answer all my questions. The staff that took my scans were also very nice and friendly!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Chelsea! We're thrilled to hear that Dr. Serena and Angela addressed all your questions and that our staff made your visit enjoyable. We look forward to seeing you again!
valeria
Overall the best experience, definitely helped me get my self confidence back with my smile!!🥰
Response from the owner:We truly appreciate your feedback, Val! It’s fantastic to know that we positively impacted your self-confidence and smile. Thank you for choosing us and sharing your experience! We’re here for you anytime you need us.
Bardia A.
Monica and her team are so nice and professional. The experience has always been welcoming and the office was always clean and I felt totally comfortable coming in during the pandemic. They took every precaution and were so great to work with.
Response from the owner:We appreciate you taking the time to leave us feedback on your experience. We work very hard every day to exceed our patients’ expectations!
Justin H.
We have loved working with the team at Beverly Hills Orthodontics. We had 2 kids go through the Invisalign plan and they were always so nice and helpful in explaining everything. What a difference the program made!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the positive feedback. We are honored to serve each and every one of our patients!
Jade L.
Lose this dentist, the doctors are really nice and always answer my questions regarding my teeth.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words about us and our staff!
read more reviews
come visit us

We can’t wait
to see you soon!

  • BEVERLY HILLS
  • 2080 Century Park E #505
    Los Angeles, CA 90067
  • DOWNTOWN LA
  • 740 S. Olive St. Unit 105
    Los Angeles, CA 90014
  • STUDIO CITY
  • 10751 Riverside Dr.
    Toluca Lake, CA 91602
  • ALHAMBRA
  • 320 S. Garfield Ave. Suite 306
    Alhambra, CA 91801
Alhambra

Studio City

Downtown LA

Beverly Hills

Sign up for our Newsletter!

Keep up to date on everything Beverly Hills Orthodontics is doing with our patients and the community!

[ctct form="16980" show_title="false"]
Footer logo

QUICK LINKS

  • Our Practice
  • What We Do
  • Patient Resources
  • Contact Us
  • In The Press
  • Our Practice
  • What We Do
  • Patient Resources
  • Contact Us
  • In The Press

CONTACT US

  • Beverly Hills
  • Downtown LA
  • Studio City
  • Alhambra
  • Call/Text (310) 785-0770

FOLLOW US

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Yelp

CONTACT HOURS

Monday8:00am – 6:00pm
Tuesday8:00am – 6:00pm
Wednesday8:00am – 6:00pm
Thursday8:00am – 6:00pm
Friday8:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday8:00am – 4:00pm
Request Free Consult
GET $1,000 OFF

© Copyright 2025 Beverly Hills Orthodontics | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Notice of Privacy Practices | Accessibility 

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

We're Hiring! Contact Us for Details on Open Positions!

Apply Now