Overbite Treatment with Aligners: without Jaw Surgery

This time, we focus on the overbite treatment of an adult patient using aligners, completely without jaw surgery and/or extraction. Let's take a closer look together at the background, aligner therapy, and the specific challenges of this case.

Overbite or Class II: A brief explanation

What does the term "overbite" or Class II mean? It describes a misalignment of the jaws, where the lower jaw is positioned too far back in relation to the upper jaw. This situation can lead to various problems, including difficulties in chewing, speaking, and even breathing issues.

Increased overbite or sagittal step: An additional explanation

An increased overbite, also known as a sagittal step, occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. This misalignment, also referred to as overjet, can cause aesthetic and functional impairments, including issues with chewing and speaking.

Aligner Therapy: The clear braces

Aligner therapy, also known as invisible braces, is a modern method for correcting dental misalignments. Unlike traditional fixed braces, it consists of transparent plastic trays individually crafted. These trays are placed over the teeth, applying gentle pressure to move the teeth into the desired position.

Q & A on Aligners and Overbite Treatment without jaw surgery

Question: How do aligners work in treating overbites? Answer: Aligners work by gradually moving the teeth into the correct position. This is done by changing the trays every few weeks until the desired correction is achieved. To better adjust the lower jaw compared to the upper jaw, so-called mandibular advancement springs are integrated into the aligners, or traditional rubber bands are necessary. These also support the backward movement and adjustment of the upper front teeth, as seen in the photos.

Question: Why is jaw surgery not required? Answer: In some cases, jaw surgery may be necessary, but in this specific case with an overbite of over 12 mm, it was possible to avoid such measures. This was achievable as the patient's upper front teeth were particularly tilted forward (protruded).

Question: How long did the treatment take? Answer: The entire treatment duration in this case was just under 2 years.

Photo description: Overbite of over 12 mm - orthodontic treatment without extraction and jaw surgery

In this case, there was an increased overbite or sagittal step. The challenge was to correct this misalignment without resorting to extraction or jaw surgery. Through consistent application of the aligners, we were able to help the patient achieve an improved bite as well as aesthetics.

IMPORTANT: Each case is unique, and the decision for a specific treatment method depends on various factors. In this particular case, aligner therapy was the optimal choice in consultation with the patient to achieve an aesthetically pleasing and functionally improved bite position. Alternatively, treatment with fixed braces could have been an option.

We hope that this case study provides insights into the possibilities of aligner therapy in treating increased front tooth steps and sagittal steps. If you have further questions, we are here to assist.

Your Team at Dr. Wick