I have an overjet with my 4 front teeth, will Invisalign help? Will I need to extract teeth? (Photo)

Question

I recently got my braces taken off after about 23 months. When I had my braces on it gave the illusion that I didn't have an overjet. I can fit my thumb fingernail between the teeth. I am also concerned about the shape of my two front upper teeth. They're wider at the bottom and I feel like one side is a little more wider than my other front tooth. (Look at picture #4) So I feel like I will need to have teeth extracted in order to make all the teeth fit.

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Based on your photos and your brief history, I would say that you have 4 main options.Option #1:  See an orthodontist for metal braces and possible palatal expander.Option #2:  See a cosmetic dentist or orthodontist about using a palatal expander prior to Invisalign.Option #3:  Have a cosmetic dentist extract 1 or 2 teeth and get Invisalign to close up the gaps and severely reduce the over jet.Option #4:  Have a cosmetic dentist do IPR (inter-proximal reduction) to create tiny spaces between your teeth, then use Invisalign to close these spaces and resolve your over jet.  In your situation, I would probably choose option 4, but you need to do your homework on choosing the right cosmetic dentist for your case.  I say this because the skill level of the cosmetic dentist can really affect the overall look of your teeth and smile.  I recommend looking on this site at before and after photos of a cosmetic dentist that you're considering.  I would also go to there website and learn about their capabilities before just picking a dentist at random.  Good luck to you and I hope this helps. "Follow" me on Real Self to ask more questions of me.Sarah Thompson, DMD O'Fallon, IL and St. Louis, MO

Lawrence Singer, DMD (in memoriam) · Answer

Do not extract any teeth!!  It will collapse your facial profile and look bad.  You can go back into treatment to achieve the goals you are hoping for.  Perhaps a combination of arch widening, reproximation and root torque.  Your case has to be in the best of hands to get the best results.  Talk to your provider and see what he or she says.  Also get a few other opinions.

I have an overjet with my 4 front teeth, will Invisalign help? Will I need to extract teeth? (Photo)

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I have an overjet with my 4 front teeth, will Invisalign help? Will I need to extract teeth? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Invisalign

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