Overjet: The Subtitle of the Orthodontic Book

The functions of the overjet are evaluated in mediating, aggravating, and enabling the expression of mandibular growth in Class II, division 1 and Class III malocclusions in growing patients. Shorter-term (2-3 years) and longer-term (5-7 years) responders to treatment are contrasted, underscoring the variability in critical periods of growth and growth gradients among the craniofacial components and accounting for the variable individual response to treatment. Clinical illustrations and guidelines are presented.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the mediating, aggravating and enabling functions of the overjet during growth and treatment.
• Dentify the variable responses to treatment in growing patients including constitutional elements (individual growth tempo, malocclusion severity and gender differences) and therapeutic characteristics (treatment timing and duration).
• Recognize the interaction of genetic and environmental components in the development of malocclusion and in growth modification, as well as the variable gradients and critical periods of growth among the craniofacial components accounting for the individual response to treatment.