What is an Open Bite?
An open bite is when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. This can result in a noticeable gap between the teeth, and the teeth may be slanted. Not only can this be aesthetically displeasing, but this type of misalignment can also cause problems with eating and may lead to speech difficulties.
What Causes an Open Bite
Several factors can contribute to an open bite, including:
- Genetics: The structure of your jaw and the placement of your teeth may be inherited. Look at old family photos, can you see the obvious signs of an open bite? Then your condition could be hereditary.
- Thumb or Pacifier Sucking: Excessive thumb sucking or use of a pacifier can push young teeth forward and apart over time, resulting in an open bite.
- Tongue Thrusting: This habit of pushing the tongue against the teeth while talking, swallowing, or even when at rest is something many of us don’t even realize we’re doing, but it can lead to the teeth being pushed apart and out of alignment
- Skeletal Development Issues: Uneven jaw growth can cause an open bite, requiring orthodontic intervention.
An Open Bite Can Affect Oral Health and Daily Life
An untreated open bite can lead to:
- Difficulty chewing food properly
- Speech issues such as lisping
- Increased risk of tooth wear and gum problems
- Lower self-confidence due to aesthetic concerns
Invisalign for Open Bite: How It Works
Understanding Invisalign
Invisalign is a modern method of teeth straightening that uses custom-made clear aligners to gradually shift teeth into place. Unlike braces, the Invisalign aligners are removable, making it easier to eat while undergoing treatment, and nearly invisible, making them a preferred choice for many adults and teens who favor the discreet appearance of Invisalign over the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces.
How Invisalign Aligners Close an Open Bite
The Invisalign treatment uses aligners to apply specific controlled pressure to the teeth, guiding them into proper alignment. An experienced orthodontist, like Dr. Matthew Durschlag of San Diego Smile Pros, uses cutting-edge techniques and years of dental and specialty training to develop a unique plan that takes the exact movement of each tooth into account. The aligners are then custom-made to put that plan perfectly into action, slowly moving the teeth to where they need to be. Over time, this process helps close the gap between the upper and lower teeth.
Understanding Attachments and Precision Cuts
Most cases will require additional tools such as:
- Attachments: These are small, tooth-colored buttons that attach to the teeth to provide extra grip for the aligners.
- Precision Cuts: Areas of the aligners that allow for rubber bands to be worn for complex bite movement.
The Benefits of Using Invisalign to Fix an Open Bite
Better Looking and Less Visible Than Traditional Braces
- Say goodbye to the appearance of metal and wire braces. With barely visible Invisalign aligners, you can feel confident and beautiful in professional and social situations. It’s the ultimate in discreet orthodontic treatment.
Comfortable and Convenient
- Invisalign aligners are made from a proprietary smooth plastic, eliminating the irritation commonly associated with traditional braces.
- Aligners can be removed when eating, making dining a far more convenient and enjoyable experience with no restrictions.
- They can also be removed for contact sports.
Improved Oral Hygiene During Treatment
- Invisalign aligners are easy to clean; simply take them out and brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush using a mild toothpaste or an Invisalign cleaning solution.
- Traditional fixed braces can make tooth brushing difficult and flossing almost impossible, leading to trapped food and plaque buildup. With removable Invisalign aligners, you can brush and floss your teeth as normal.
Some Points to Consider When Exploring Your Options
Will Invisalign work for your open bite?
- Invisalign works very well for open bite cases.
- Some severe cases may require additional orthodontic treatments. Your orthodontist will assess your open bite and let you know if you’re a suitable candidate for Invisalign treatment.
The Importance of Compliance for Successful Treatment
- Aligners must be worn 20–22 hours daily.
- Patients who consistently follow treatment guidelines see the best results.
- Invisalign aligners are removable, and while this adds a lot of extra convenience, it does come with the risk of non-compliance with the recommended treatment schedule.
Age Considerations
- Invisalign is effective for both teens and adults.
- Teens may benefit from compliance indicators built into aligners. These small blue dots fade with wear, so orthodontists know that a lack of results is due to non-compliance rather than a failure in the aligning process.
- Compliance rates tend to be high with Invisalign because the aligners are so inconspicuous. This can be particularly advantageous for self-conscious teenagers.
Invisalign Treatment for Open Bite – What to Expect
The Step-by-Step Treatment Process
- Consultation: Your orthodontist will carefully assess your open bite and create a customized treatment plan perfectly tailored to your needs and goals.
- 3D Scanning: Digital impressions will be taken using the latest 3D scanning technology. Using this data, your aligners will be developed to be a perfectly comfortable fit, and to establish the specific movements of each tooth.
- Aligner Fitting: You’ll get your first set of aligners and be given instructions on how to use them and care for them. Your orthodontist will ensure they fit perfectly and check that they feel comfortable for you.
- Regular Check-ups: You’ll return to the practice every 8-12 weeks so your orthodontist can monitor your progress and make adjustments where necessary.
- Post-treatment Retention Phase: When your treatment is complete and your open bite is fixed, you can use a retainer to help maintain results after treatment ends.
Treatment Duration
- Most cases resolve within 12–24 months.
- Some cases may take longer depending on complexity and patient compliance.
Invisalign vs. Braces for Open Bite: Which is Better?
Comparing Effectiveness and Comfort
- Invisalign offers greater comfort
- Invisalign’s removable aligners make eating and drinking easier
- The discreet appearance of Invisalign offers a distinct advantage over the metal and wire construction of traditional braces
- Both Invisalign aligners and traditional braces get results, but Invisalign works somewhat faster in many cases.
- The removable retainers are easy to clean, and teeth cleaning is not hindered.
Cost Considerations
- Invisalign can be slightly more expensive than braces, but the benefits often outweigh the costs.
- Insurance and payment plans make treatment accessible.
Enhanced Patient Experience with Invisalign
Many patients report:
- Increased confidence during treatment due to Invisalign’s discreet appearance.
- Minimal discomfort compared to braces.
- Significant improvements in bite function and overall dental health.
FAQs on Invisalign for Open Bite
How long does it take to fix an open bite with Invisalign?
Depending on the severity and patient compliance levels, fixing an open bite with Invisalign treatment generally takes between 12 and 24 months.
Is Invisalign better than braces for an open bite?
For most open bites, Invisalign provides a discreet and comfortable solution. Severe cases may require surgical intervention as well.
Can Invisalign treat all types of open bites?
Invisalign works for most open bites.
Will wearing Invisalign be painful?
Mild discomfort is common when switching to a new set of aligners, but it usually subsides within a few days.
How often should I wear my Invisalign aligners?
To see optimal results, aligners should be worn for 20–22 hours every day, only removing them for eating and oral hygiene purposes.
What happens if I don’t regularly wear my aligners?
If you don’t wear your aligners properly at the start of your treatment, you’ll see no results or slow results. If you’re already partway through your treatment and stop wearing your aligners, you could find that your teeth move back into misalignment. To avoid slow progress and treatment setbacks, it’s important to wear your aligners as instructed by your orthodontist.
San Diego residents can depend on Dr. Durschlag from San Diego Smile Pros to deliver the highest-quality orthodontic treatment. Dr. Matthew Durschlag is a board-certified orthodontist with a wealth of experience and a whole host of happy clients with beautiful smiles. His specialist skills ensure the successful treatment of even the most complex conditions, including all types of orthodontics, Invisalign, clear and metal braces, lingual braces, TADs (temporary anchorage devices), fixing open bites, crowding, overbites, surgical cases, and more!
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