New York Orthodontists

Braces Vs. Invisalign for Overbite/overjet

I am 21 years old and in college and have never worn braces before but have a big overbite and overjet. Based on these pictures, do you think I could benefit from braces? If so, is it possible to tell what kind of treatment I would be looking at? Would I be able to wear invisalign or do I probably need regular braces?

Generally speaking, overbites are difficult to treat using any types of orthodontics especially in adults. Time and patience are needed simply because we are intruding anterior teeth (pushing front teeth back into dense bone) and extruding posterior teeth (pulling back teeth out of the bone) – Furthermore, not all overbite cases are simple teeth problems and could be of skeletal problems as well which refer to irregular amount and angulation of skeletal bone.  We take digital panoramic and cephalometric x-rays to determine much info before starting treatment.

What I have found when treating overbite cases with invisalign is as follows:  Typically, the results we see on invisalign computer modeling called clincheck, looks better with more of the overbite gone by the end of treatment.  Although this seems to be a bad thing, we have learned over the years and thousands of cases that in order to battle this issue, we perform what is called an over-correction.  Basically, if we want to reduce 50 to 60% overbite which seems to be the case here, we NOT only reduce overbite to ideal on the computer model but we continue ordering more aligners beyond ideal final results and purposely create a virtual open bite of about 1mm on the computer model.  More happens in clincheck and less in the mouth so we will still end up where we want and we simply stop treatment once ideal overbite has been achieved!

Keep in mind the key to successful orthodontic treatment is anchorage and compliance. Anchorage comes from tiny little composite resin buttons called attachments.  We at our office place good number of both facial and lingual attachments to insure proper anchorage especially in overbite cases.  Patient compliance and wear is very important in achieving successful results.

Also from your photos, it seems you have what is called a class II bite meaning uppers are more forward than they should be.  We use tiny invisible circular elastics just as used in braces to pull uppers back and lowers forward into ideal class I bite.

Proper diagnosis and treatment planning along with great attachments and use of elastics and great compliance on your part will give you ideal results with invisalign.  If you think, you will not wear aligners properly, you may as well go for braces which would require much less compliance on part of the patient.

The clincheck computer modeling below is an example of how overbite is corrected. Please note overbite video.

***Online Answers should NEVER be substituted for a complete clinical exam and following advice of your treating doctors based on proper and full diagnosis and treatment planning.   There is no way anyone can properly diagnose and treatment plan a patient online without an in office exam.

Daniel Noor, DMD, PC

Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist

I Have Invisalign and It is Being Used to Correct an Overbite, But Will It Work? (photo)

I have been researching online and have read that you can not correct an overbite using elastics once the upper jaw is formed. I am 22 years old so I assume mine is. I have invisalign and I am really happy with the results, so I am wondering how is my bite going to be fixed- I have had elastics for 2 months so far. In order to fix my overbite, are my bottom teeth going to be moved farther out so they align with my upper teeth? I have read that only functional orthodontics treat this issue.

Hi--

I would recommend that you speak with your current invisalign doctor about your invisalign treatment, and the expectations of your treatment as well as how they have set up your case (this will ultimately determine how you will improve your over jet- front top teeth in relation to lower botton teeth)

 It seems that you are reading a lot on the internet and you need clarification from a professional and it is a little too extensive to write about here. In a short summary, the elastics are going to help move the upper teeth back and the lower teeth forward, but there is a limit to how much movement can be achieved with only elastics. In your case your teeth will be aligned but you will probably remain with some overjet. I hope your doctor is an orthodontist!

Gabriela Hricko, DDS

New York Orthodontist

How Do I Find a Competent Orthodontist?

My family dentist charges for ortho consultation so I got 2nd and 3rd opinions first from drs about 100 miles from home. Both said daughter #1 was an excellent candidate for invisalign and neither daughter was in need of extensive work. My hometown dentist said pretty much the opposite and the cost is 1600 more for each child. I live in rural NE Colorado, will I receive better care in Denver or do I trust my family dentist? I didn't like the clinic vibe of 2nd & 3rd opinions.

Hi. . .There are a few good resources to find good board- certified orthodontists. The American Board of Orthodontics has a website and can help you locate orthodontists who are board certified, which is the highest standard.

Alternatively, you can look on the website of the American Association of Orthodontists, and search for orthodontists in your area. These are orthodontists who have completed the specialty training in a certified residency program for orthodontists and who are considered specialists in orthodontics.

I would recommend seeing an orthodontist over your general family dentist for orthodontic treatment.

Gabriela Hricko, DDS

New York Orthodontist