elastics and overbites

[tizzy]

Has anyone had to use elastics with Invisalign to fix overbites? Has anyone had an overbite fixed with Invisalign period? I keep reading that it doesn't fix overbites but everyone who seems to say that is not an orthodontist nor have they used Invisalign to fix those specific problems. It would be great to hear from anyone who has used elastics or has had an overbite treated sucessfully/not sucessfully. Thanks!

[teacher61]

I had a 5 mm overjet and my dentist said that Invisalign would correct them to about half or 2.5 mm. I told him that was good enough for me because I told him I was not going to wear the metal braces. I am on my 8th tray out of 10 and I am very pleased with the progress of correcting the overjet or overbite.

[tizzy]

Thanks for your help! I really appreciate the feedback. I don't think my overbite is TERRIBLE people tell me they can't notice it, but I do (of course ha) I'm hoping the general straightening of the teeth removes the slight "buckiness" I know the elastics are supposed to help with that as well, I just don't know how elastics will attach to the aligners...I guess I will find out soon enough! My arch is pretty narow as well but unfortunately I'm not sure what the exact overbite measurement is. I went with one of the Elite Premier providers and from my understanding that means they have worked on quite a few cases so I'm hoping he can sucessfully treat me. Maybe I will post some pics when I get the elastic buggers...they should be interesting to say the least

[John37]

I have used and am using elastics, but not to treat an overbite. I am probably the one Meryaten referred to.

I had hooks placed on the bottom of my lower canines and they cut a slanted slit in the upper aligners on the outside of the first molars. I put the bands in the slits before i put the upper aligners on, then pull the bands over the hooks on the lower canines. The idea is/was to help pull/rotate the lower canines and pull my lower arch back overall. But I don't really think it is pulling my lower arch back all that much. I suppose it may have helped rotate the canines, but I don't know what would have happened without the bands.

The hooks hurt my gums a lot for the first 2-3 weeks that I had them, but mostly when I had the aligners and elastics off. The rubbing when chewing food hurt. Then the skin inside my mouth got used to it and it hasn't been a problem except one time when I got hit in the mouth playing basketball. They also had to cut a bit of the lower aligners away so that it wouldn't hit the hooks at the bottom of the canines.

[njbeachbetty]

My orthodontist initially hesitated to take me as an invisalign case - I had nearly an 8mm overjet. Now, three years later, my teeth are so perfect people I don't know tell me how beautiful my teeth are. How wonderful, right?

Anyway, this is how he got me to this point. First, an palatal expander for eight months - that was truly the worst part. I couldn't talk for a week! Then came ceramic braces - I only did this because my wedding was coming up and I wanted some kind of a difference. I had the ceramics on for four months and got them taken off for my wedding. Then I got married, when I came back from my honeymoon I started on my first of 37 invisalign trays. I am now on tray 36 of 37 and NEVER NEEDED REFINEMENTS! My ortho was quite pleased. He was expecting refinements.

As for elastics, my ortho put attachments on my teeth to hold elastics under my invisalign. Don't tell him - but I never wear them. Invisalign did all the work. By the way, I have absolutely no trace of an overjet anymore! I believe the true secret is have an orthodontist, not a dentist.

[tizzy]

The low down on my elastics situation in case anyone is interested.

Well last week I had my attachments placed on my teeth (16 in total) which was a lengthy process but hey, had to be done and was not painful so I can't complain too much. The attachments rubbed my inner cheeks but that was to be expected and I'm adapting quite well. Once the aligners are on there is far less rubbing and again not entirely unpleasant. Also with all the attachments I have I still don't think they are that noticeable and if people see them meh, who cares I'm getting my teeth straightened, what do they want from me right I also had some IPR (shaving of the teeth) and that was not very fun I have to say, not very painful but quite uncomfortable. I had goosebumps from the sound in my head. I have some more teeth to shave so the sooner I get that over with the better. It's again, not noticeable.

It looks like I am having elastics to correct my bite. I had white, tooth colored hooks placed on my upper premolars and metal hooks adhered to my lower back molar (I think they're called my second molars) They cut the trays to make room for the hooks and I just link the elastics to the upper and lower teeth. They are really easy to put on and I don't need a mirror (then again I have pretty small hands so maybe that helps ha) The pressure on my jaw from the elastics felt a little strange at first but now I actually like the feeling (maybe I'm a masochist but I like the pressure the aligners place on my teeth) The elastics cause some discomfort from rubbing against my cheeks but I'm sure I will get used to that too. I will try and take some pictures in case anyone wants to check out the elastics in action. So far they are pretty cool, you can see them when I smile wide but really not a big deal at all.

[tizzy]

You are totally right ha. Thanks for the tip, I'm very slowly learning the tricks of the trade

[Wireless]

I just started Invisalign treatment for a severe Deep Bite. At age 59, this is my third ortho treatment, with the first as a teenager in the '60s (heavy metal) and again in the '80s after I had a relapse. The second treatment seemed successful until the last two years when I developed TMJ symptoms and finally my lower teeth started contacting my gums behind my upper teeth.

My orthodontist originally proposed braces and a bite plate for 18 months during the initial assessment. However, after reviewing my X-rays from the records exam he noted I had resorption of one root from an earlier treatment and was concerned it would be further damaged if the tooth were moved with regular braces. While he kept this as an option, he reviewed my case with Invisalign and determined I am a candidate.

Has anyone else had Invisalign treatment with a severe deep bite (upper teeth totally cover lowers) and what problems did you encounter?

[Alex2411]

i have an overbite, and my orthodontist took one look and said he will fix it thats good enough for me. im having 12 trays on my upper teath and will be posting the progress on my website if anyones intrested.

[makeupgirl45]

Hi, I read your post, and I was screwed in ortho. I'm 54 and I was left with a 5-6mm overjet. I wanted to know who your ortho is. I'm in NYC. So far, they are telling me there is no hope to fix it under than surgery.

Thanks Fran

My orthodontist initially hesitated to take me as an invisalign case - I had nearly an 8mm overjet. Now, three years later, my teeth are so perfect people I don't know tell me how beautiful my teeth are. How wonderful, right?

Anyway, this is how he got me to this point. First, an palatal expander for eight months - that was truly the worst part. I couldn't talk for a week! Then came ceramic braces - I only did this because my wedding was coming up and I wanted some kind of a difference. I had the ceramics on for four months and got them taken off for my wedding. Then I got married, when I came back from my honeymoon I started on my first of 37 invisalign trays. I am now on tray 36 of 37 and NEVER NEEDED REFINEMENTS! My ortho was quite pleased. He was expecting refinements.

As for elastics, my ortho put attachments on my teeth to hold elastics under my invisalign. Don't tell him - but I never wear them. Invisalign did all the work. By the way, I have absolutely no trace of an overjet anymore! I believe the true secret is have an orthodontist, not a dentist.

[myhollywoodsmile]

Hi there,
Take a look at my blog link below, I am having my overjet/ bite fixed with invisalign. It certainly seems to be working thus far, although I am only half way through my bottom arch and almost finished with the tops. I have photos of each stage. my ortho was happy to treat me, although he says it is challenging. I think, though, that that is more to do with the difficulty of moving a tooth that I have growing across the bottom of my mouth than with the overbite.

[Wireless]

Have you gotten second opinions to see if there are options other than surgery? I suggest seeking orthos with advanced degrees or that are Premier Providers for Invisalign and get a couple of assessments.

I'm being treated for severe overbite and am presently having a mid-course correction (same thing as a refinement but earlier in treatment). I'm 59 and have a skeletal problem - curved lower jawbone - that is making my case hard to treat. So far, there have been no surgery recommendations. Initially, I was told I would require fixed braces if Invisalign didn't work, but so far this hasn't been required.

[makeupgirl45]

I've gone to a ton of interviews. ORtho should not have been done on me. I had 4 wisdow teeth and 4 premolars removed. The 4 premolars when I first did ortho at 13. I was left where my teeth don't meet, the dentist ran off with the money. I was a mess. Got on my teeth barely. However, I've been having facial spasms since then. No pain. I was left with 5-6mm overjet. That's not an overbite. They look at me and don't know what to do. They say there is n o room to move me back. I've spent a small fortune here in NYC.

Have you gotten second opinions to see if there are options other than surgery? I suggest seeking orthos with advanced degrees or that are Premier Providers for Invisalign and get a couple of assessments.

I'm being treated for severe overbite and am presently having a mid-course correction (same thing as a refinement but earlier in treatment). I'm 59 and have a skeletal problem - curved lower jawbone - that is making my case hard to treat. So far, there have been no surgery recommendations. Initially, I was told I would require fixed braces if Invisalign didn't work, but so far this hasn't been required.

[makeupgirl45]

Hi, I was reading your blog. Are you saying that you didn't have to remove any teeth. I have none to remove. I had my 4 premolars removed as a child and my 4 wisdom teeth as an adult. They are saying they have no room to move me back. I also have facial spasms because my bite is so bad. I'm not on my back teeth properly.

Was any room made for your teeth to move back if you didn't remove a teeth. Was there interproximal reduction?

Thanks Fran



quote="myhollywoodsmile"]Hi there,
Take a look at my blog link below, I am having my overjet/ bite fixed with invisalign. It certainly seems to be working thus far, although I am only half way through my bottom arch and almost finished with the tops. I have photos of each stage. my ortho was happy to treat me, although he says it is challenging. I think, though, that that is more to do with the difficulty of moving a tooth that I have growing across the bottom of my mouth than with the overbite.[/quote]

[vegasgirl]

I have a 4mm overjet due in part to my bottom teeth tilting back. My dentist said that he will be able to bring the bottom teeth forward and the top teeth in so that I will end up with a 1.5 mm overjet. Has anyone had any experience with this?