How do I fix 8mm overbite/jet, crowding, and possibly a narrow palate to its naturally correct placement as an adult? (Photo)

Question

I want to fix my mouth, and am set up to do Invisalign to straighten my teeth. My dentist wants to do IPR, but I didn't like that idea because I don't want to compromise my natural tooth shape (which I like) for straightness. Really, I want my mouth, teeth and jaw to be in their correct spots. I don't want solutions that simply mimic a perfect mouth (taking out teeth, shaving teeth, etc). My overbite bothers me, and I want my face and mouth to look the way it would if it was right. How can I?

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

If just straightening teeth is your only goal then taking two teeth out would be the easiest way to treat the problem. HOWEVER, if you choose this option then you will be stuck with a lower jaw that is displaced posteriorly, your face will become longer and more narrow, your upper lip will become smaller, your gummy smile will continue to be present, your nose will look bigger, your profile will be negatively affected, and your TMJ and airway will be compromised.If you were my patient, I would 1. expand your upper dental arch, 2. advance your lower jaw forward, then 3. straighten your teeth. This can all be accomplished with a simple, comfortable, removable appliance. To straighten the teeth you would have to use traditional braces because Invisalign would not work in this application. To develop the upper arch and move the jaw forward would take approximately 12 months, braces would then take another 12 months.Find a doctor who understands epigenetic orthodontics. The doctor should be able to speak comfortably and confidently about mandibular advancement, arch development and the relationship between orthodontics/orthopedics and TMJ/airway health. You won't find a doctor like this on any street corner but there are plenty out there if you do a little research.Good luck!

John McDonald, DMD · Answer

An 8mm overjet (protrusion of the upper front teeth ahead of the lower) puts you in the top 2% in terms of how significant your orthodontic problem is.  An overjet of that magnitude can not be fully corrected with out tooth removal, Jaw surgery or both.  Make sure you and your provider agree on the treatment goals you want to achieve with treatment.

How do I fix 8mm overbite/jet, crowding, and possibly a narrow palate to its naturally correct placement as an adult? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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How do I fix 8mm overbite/jet, crowding, and possibly a narrow palate to its naturally correct placement as an adult? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.