Orthodontist cut Invisalign tray to correct open bite--said molars would inevitably come together.

Question

After completing invisalign, my back molars weren't touching as my canines and front teeth hit into each other when biting down. My ortho did a set of 6 more trays for the top and bottom. After completing those, the bite improved, but molars still not touching. The ortho then cut the last tray I was wearing so it only covered my front four teeth and canines and said the molars would come together. He told me to wear these for 6 weeks. It this normal? Should I have gotten more trays instead?

Kenneth A. Barton, DDS · Answer

My name is Dr. Ken Barton. I am an Invisalign Elite provider,and have successfully treated in excess of 3000 cases. I also maintain practices in N.Y.C.. Your problem, unfortunately, is being seen more and more in my practice. This basically occurs in patients who are very, very, cooperative in wearing their aligners, because by biting down hard, while wearing their trays, theb tendency is to depress all of their molars. When they remove their trays, either to eat, or, clean, they see that there teeth often do not meet in the back.The adjustment to your trays, allowing your back teeth to erupt, usually is successful if the opening is quite small. In my practice, I have found more success in taking new impressions and fabricating additional aligners to correct your problem

Pamela Steiger, DMD · Answer

This is actually a good solution to try to get the molars to bite together. The trays have a thickness to them. By having all the rest of the teeth beneath the trays, it leave a little gap between the molar teeth. The teeth will continue to come into the mouth until they touch, giving you a bite on your back molars. If this does not work, you can always request more trays. Dr. Pam

Jennifer S. Stachel, DMD · Answer

Dear versus54,Thank you for posting your question on Real Self.  I will do my best to address your concerns with the information provided.It is normal to cut the back of the aligners when bringing your teeth into occlusion.  They should naturally drift together until they touch.  At this point, following your orthodontist's protocol for 6 weeks is correct.  It takes time to let the bite settle in after wearing aligners.I hope this helps and good luck!Best,Dr. Jenn

Tracy Li Cheung, DDS, MS · Answer

If your teeth are well aligned, this can be an acceptable way to settle minor open bite of the posterior (back) teeth.

Robert L. Knudson, DDS · Answer

It is very common that the back teeth do not touch fully  near the completion of invisalign.  Many reasons.  Allowing the back teeth to erupt naturally is a good way of dealing with it rather than waiting 4 weeks for new trays and getting a bunch of attachments on.

Orthodontist cut Invisalign tray to correct open bite--said molars would inevitably come together.

Answers (5)