When it comes to teeth, we all strive for straight and pearly whites. But even if you get them straight, you can still experience bite problems. In fact, posterior open bites (POB) are becoming increasingly common with the growing use of aligners. That’s why seeing an experienced orthodontist is so important. With their wealth of expertise, they can help you get the smile you want and drastically decrease your chance of developing a posterior overbite from Invisalign.
Preventing Posterior Open Bite From Invisalign
A posterior open bite occurs when the back teeth, including the molars and premolars, do not touch when you bite down. Not only can this be painful, it can affect your ability to chew properly. There are several causes of posterior open bites—and Invisalign treatment can be one of them. The good news is that Invisalign-related POB can be prevented or minimized.
You may develop a posterior open bite from Invisalign and other clear aligners because the surfaces of your teeth are covered by two layers of plastic during treatment. Depending on how strong your bite is, the plastic coupled with the force of your bite may push your back molars away from each other, essentially into the bone further, which can result in a posterior open bite This is common and there are a few features in a treatment plan that can preemptively prevent or minimize an open bite from developing POB.
An orthodontist can prevent a posterior open bite from Invisalign by:
- Measuring the size of your teeth and making sure your teeth are straightened to fit according to their measurements
- Moving teeth in a way that ensures the posterior teeth remain in contact (this may involve the use of rubber bands, specific attachments, and/or polishing the teeth)
- Moving teeth to prevent them from hitting each other
- Monitoring for unexpected shifts or other issues that arise during the Invisalign treatment process
This is the “Art behind the Science” in orthodontic treatment and is a large foundational pillar of the BHO Method.
Prevention is worth a pound of cure. And the best way to prevent a posterior open bite from Invisalign is to consult with an orthodontist specializing in clear alignment treatment.
The Value of Expert Care
From advanced training to personalized care, an orthodontist can create outstanding treatment experiences that help you look and feel your best:
- Training: Orthodontic treatment is more than cosmetic. It improves health by correcting bite and jaw issues and can have a serious impact on comfort, functionality, and overall well-being. Orthodontists attend 3 years of extra training as part of a residency program after 4 years of dental school to develop their expertise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing jaw/teeth misalignment and creating the best outcomes for patients. This advanced training allows them to use advanced techniques to prevent problems like posterior open bite from Invisalign treatment. Just because a dentist advertises doing Invisalign does not mean they have the training to move your teeth and understand the art and the science!
- Experience: Orthodontists who specialize in Invisalign have seen thousands of patients and know how to get the best results. In fact, orthodontists who have achieved Blue Diamond Top 1% status, are the most experienced Invisalign providers in the country.
- Custom Care: Orthodontists draw on their wealth of expertise to create customized treatment plans for the best possible results. Whether you have only minor alignment issues or highly complex needs, they use a range of innovative tools and techniques to address your unique needs.
When you seek Invisalign treatment from an experienced orthodontist, you’re setting yourself up for success.
Start Your Treatment Journey the Right Way
At Beverly Hills Orthodontics, our expert team uses the latest and best tools to ensure you get the smile you want without complications. As a Blue Diamond Top 1% provider, Dr. Monica Madan and the BHO team are recognized as top experts in Invisalign treatment—but our expertise doesn’t end with Invisalign. We use a range of advanced prevention and treatment techniques to ensure you get the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.