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.
During Invisalign or other clear aligner treatments, a posterior open bite can occasionally develop because the chewing surfaces of your teeth are covered by thin layers of plastic. When you bite down throughout the day, the combination of biting pressure and the aligners themselves may cause the back molars to shift slightly, sometimes moving them further into the bone. This can create a small gap between the upper and lower back teeth, known as a posterior open bite. While this situation is relatively common with aligner therapy, experienced orthodontists often design treatment plans with specific techniques and adjustments that help prevent or minimize the likelihood of a posterior open bite developing.
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 Sapphire 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 team uses advanced technology and proven techniques to help patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles with as few complications as possible. As a Sapphire Invisalign provider, Dr. Monica Madan and the BHO team are recognized for their extensive experience with clear aligner treatment. That expertise goes beyond Invisalign alone. By combining careful treatment planning with modern orthodontic tools and preventive strategies, our team works to ensure each patient receives results that are not only aesthetically stunning, but also stable and healthy for the long term.