Yes. Open bites caused by childhood habits are often dental in nature, meaning the bone is healthy, but the teeth are misaligned. Invisalign is very effective at moving these teeth back into a functional position.
At Enamel Dentistry The Domain, Invisalign treatment for anterior open bites is a specialized orthodontic method that uses clear aligners to close the vertical gap between your upper and lower front teeth. Medical evidence supports that Anterior open bites can be corrected with Invisalign [1] (Burashed, 2023). By applying precise pressure to intrude the back molars, this treatment allows the jaw to rotate closed, often eliminating the need for invasive jaw surgery.
Anterior open bite malocclusion is a complex dental condition characterized by a lack of contact or overlap between the upper and lower front teeth [2] (Lone et al., 2023). For patients with an open bite, you may find difficulties eating. This occurs because your front teeth do not touch; this is otherwise known as an anterior open bite. For many, this is more than a cosmetic issue; it can lead to speech challenges and significant wear on your back molars. You may have been told in the past that jaw surgery was your only option. The thought of a hospital stay and your jaw wired shut could influence you to delay care. Fortunately, modern clear aligner technology offers a comfortable, predictable way to close the gap without the need for a single incision. At Enamel Dentistry The Domain, we specialize in complex tooth movements for the Preventive Planner and Career Climber alike.
When closing an anterior open bite, we take a different approach than simply straightening your crooked teeth. In a maxillofacial surgical case, a surgeon would physically move your jawbone to correct your bite. However, with Invisalign, we use a specialized orthodontic process called Posterior Intrusion. Our team designs your aligner trays to apply a constant, gentle pressure to your molars. As the molars move back into the jawbone, it creates a hinge effect. Once there is sufficient space for the front teeth to shift into their ideal place, your jaw will close properly. Clear aligners are effective in controlling the vertical dimension of open bites [3] (Harris et al., 2020). This vertical movement is highly predictable with SmartTrack material, which provides the necessary grip to move molars without the bulky metal of traditional braces.
A unique challenge with open bites is the habit of tongue thrust. If your tongue rests against your front teeth when you swallow, it can create enough pressure to physically push them forward, creating or worsening the gap. During your treatment at our North Austin office, we monitor your oral habits. Invisalign trays act as a physical barrier, retraining your tongue to rest on the roof of your mouth rather than between your teeth. This seemingly small change in habit is vital to ensuring your open bite stays closed.
For patients living near our Domain Office, choosing the right treatment is about balancing recovery time and results.
Feature | Invisalign (Non-surgical) | Maxillofacial Surgery | Traditional Braces |
Primary Action | Molar Intrusion | Bone Realignment | Extrusion |
Recovery Time | None | 4 to 6 weeks | 2 to 3 days per adjustment |
Pain | Low | High | Moderate |
Visibility | Very Low | None | High |
Durability of Results | High (with Vivera retainers) | Permanent | High |
Estimated Cost | $4,000-$6,500 | $20,000+ | $3,500-$6,000 |
In North Austin, the investment for closing an open bite with Invisalign typically ranges from $4,000 to $6,500. While this can be a significant decision, it is a fraction of the cost of surgical intervention.
At Enamel Dentistry The Domain, we help you maximize your ROI:
Yes. Open bites caused by childhood habits are often dental in nature, meaning the bone is healthy, but the teeth are misaligned. Invisalign is very effective at moving these teeth back into a functional position.
Yes. Closing an open bite can reduce the appearance of a long face and allow your lips to close more naturally, resulting in a more balanced profile.
Most patients in our Austin office notice a visible reduction in their gap within the first 4 to 6 months of treatment, although full gap closure and tooth stabilization typically take 12 to 18 months.
Dr. Devish Patel, DDS, provides comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry at Enamel Dentistry in Austin, TX. With a focus on modern clinical care, he specializes in aesthetic treatments, alongside preventative and restorative maintenance. Dr. Patel is committed to delivering safe, evidence-based solutions that keep patients comfortable and informed at every step.
[1] Burashed H. (2023). The efficacy of anterior open bite closure when using Invisalign’s optimized extrusion versus conventional attachments. Journal of the World federation of orthodontists, 12(3), 112–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejwf.2023.04.001
[2] Lone, I. M., Zohud, O., Midlej, K., Paddenberg, E., Krohn, S., Kirschneck, C., Proff, P., Watted, N., & Iraqi, F. A. (2023). Anterior Open Bite Malocclusion: From Clinical Treatment Strategies towards the Dissection of the Genetic Bases of the Disease Using Human and Collaborative Cross Mice Cohorts. Journal of personalized medicine, 13(11), 1617. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13111617
[3] Harris, K., Ojima, K., Dan, C., Upadhyay, M., Alshehri, A., Kuo, C. L., Mu, J., Uribe, F., & Nanda, R. (2020). Evaluation of open bite closure using clear aligners: a retrospective study. Progress in orthodontics, 21(1), 23. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40510-020-00325-5
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