Fixing Class 2 Overjet in Adult: Treatment Options and Considerations

Fixing Class 2 Overjet in Adult: Treatment Options and Considerations

Table of Contents:

I. Introduction II. Understanding Overjets III. Diagnosing Overjets in Non-Growing Adults IV. The Importance of Screening for OSA V. The E-Line and Its Role in Overjet Treatment VI. Jaw Surgery as a Treatment Option VII. Alternatives to Jaw Surgery VIII. The Risks of Overjet Treatment IX. Conclusion

Article:

Introduction

Overjets are a common orthodontic issue that can affect both children and adults. While fixing an overjet in a growing child is often straightforward, the same cannot be said for non-growing adults. In this article, we will explore the various factors that need to be taken into account when considering overjet treatment in adult non-growing patients.

Understanding Overjets

Before we dive into the specifics of overjet treatment in non-growing adults, it's important to understand what an overjet is. An overjet occurs when the upper front teeth protrude too far forward relative to the lower front teeth. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, thumb-sucking, and tongue-thrusting.

In children, overjets are often caused by a discrepancy between the size of the upper and lower jaws. This discrepancy can be corrected through orthodontic treatment, which typically involves the use of braces or aligners to move the teeth into the correct position.

Diagnosing Overjets in Non-Growing Adults

Diagnosing an overjet in a non-growing adult is a bit more complicated than diagnosing one in a child. In adults, overjets are often caused by a small mandible, which can make the upper front teeth appear to protrude. To diagnose an overjet in a non-growing adult, it's important to take a variety of factors into account, including HAND wrist x-rays, growth charts, puberty, skeletal ages, dental ages, and chronological ages.

It's also important to note that overjets in non-growing adults are often accompanied by a small airway, which can lead to sleep apnea and other health issues. As such, it's crucial to screen for OSA before considering any Type of orthodontic treatment.

The Importance of Screening for OSA

Screening for OSA is a critical step in the overjet treatment process. If a patient has OSA, any type of orthodontic treatment that makes the airway smaller can make the problem worse. As such, it's important to screen for OSA before considering any type of overjet treatment.

It's also worth noting that patients with OSA may be able to get jaw surgery and orthodontic treatment covered by medical insurance. This is something to keep in mind when discussing treatment options with patients.

The E-Line and Its Role in Overjet Treatment

The E-Line is a useful tool for diagnosing and treating overjets. The E-Line is a line that runs from the tip of the nose to the tip of the chin. In an ideal profile, the lower lip should be about at the line or a tiny bit behind, while the upper lip should be ahead of the line.

In patients with overjets, the E-Line can be used to determine the extent of the problem. If the lower jaw is small relative to the upper jaw, the E-Line will be off. In these cases, jaw surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

Jaw Surgery as a Treatment Option

Jaw surgery is often the best option for correcting overjets in non-growing adults. Jaw surgery involves moving the upper and/or lower jaw forward to correct the discrepancy between the two. While jaw surgery is a major procedure, it can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life.

It's worth noting that not all patients are good candidates for jaw surgery. Patients who are not willing to undergo surgery or who have medical conditions that make surgery risky may need to consider alternative treatment options.

Alternatives to Jaw Surgery

For patients who are not good candidates for jaw surgery, there are alternative treatment options available. These options include leaving the overjet as is, using elastics with aligners or braces, and using lip fillers to camouflage the problem.

It's important to note that these alternative treatments may not be as effective as jaw surgery and may not provide the same long-term results.

The Risks of Overjet Treatment

It's important to understand that overjet treatment is not without risks. Orthodontic treatment can cause speech issues, especially if the teeth are moved too far forward. Additionally, any type of orthodontic treatment that makes the airway smaller can make OSA worse.

As such, it's important to carefully consider the risks and benefits of overjet treatment before proceeding with any type of orthodontic treatment.

Conclusion

Overjets are a common orthodontic issue that can affect both children and adults. While fixing an overjet in a growing child is often straightforward, the same cannot be said for non-growing adults. When considering overjet treatment in non-growing adults, it's important to take a variety of factors into account, including the size of the mandible, the E-Line, and the presence of OSA. By carefully considering these factors, orthodontists can develop a treatment plan that is safe and effective for their patients.