How do dentists determine the amount of space needed to fix an overbite? (photos)

Doctor's Answers 1

The decision to extract, or not to extract, for any case depends on several factors, such as the facial and lip profile (e.g. are the lips protruding?) the amount of overlap or crowding of the teeth, how much the teeth are flared forward with respect to the bone, etc. Patients with a substantial overjet would more often have lips that unable to close due to the teeth which are sticking out.

In situations like this, extractions will result in a more aesthetic or pleasing outcome. With Invisalign treatment, there is a possibility to move the back teeth backwards as well to give space to bring the front teeth inwards more. (called distalization)

Your orthodontist will need to examine your teeth and bite together with your facial features, and detailed examination of your X-rays as well in order to decide on the best treatment plan for you.

The advantage of Invisalign treatment is that you can view the simulation and discuss together with your clinician, on the treatment plan you are most comfortable with.

Hope this helps. All the best!

Warm regards,

Dr Geraldine Lee

Orthodontist

Similar Questions

Is it possible to modify treatment midway through Invisalign treatment if I want to change the final results?

Of course you can always modify your treatment plan midway through Invisalign treatment. Good communication between your orthodontist/dentist is essential to successful treatment. There must be a reason for your clinician deciding on the final result of the clincheck. Overbite reduction is almost always an important goal of orthodontic treatment, and would usually not result an ageing profile.

Photo of Dr Geraldine Lee

Answered By

Dr Geraldine Lee

Orthodontist

How to fix black triangles after Invisalign treatment?

Thank you for your questions. Black triangles often appears after alignment in areas where there were previous overlapping of teeth, especially in adult patients. These black triangles can be minimized by doing some reshaping between teeth or what is commonly known as IPR (interproximal reduction) so that teeth can come closer together and minimize the black triangles. However, if the black triangles are very broad, they may not be eliminated totally through IPR as we can only remove 0. 25mm of enamel per tooth surface so that not to cause damage or sensitivity to the tooth itself.

Photo of Dr Enrica Sham

Answered By

Dr Enrica Sham

Orthodontist

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