Can Invisalign Lite Work for Patients in Their 40s? A Real Case Improving Scissor Bite and Deep Bite in 10 Months

Hello.

This is a Gangnam Invisalign · orthodontic dental clinic.

Many people in their 40s and 50s consider orthodontic treatment but find it difficult to get started.

In particular, if tooth extraction is required and treatment is expected to take two years or more, concerns about the time, cost, and gum health can make people hesitate to begin orthodontic treatment.

However, not every patient necessarily needs extraction-based orthodontic treatment.

Depending on the patient’s goals and priorities, the scope of treatment can be adjusted, and in some cases, satisfactory results can be achieved in a relatively short period.

Today, I would like to introduce an actual case in which a patient in their 40s used Invisalign Lite to improve the alignment of the front teeth, a scissor bite, and a deep bite in approximately 10 months.

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Today, I will show you a case in which the treatment goals were adjusted because extractions would otherwise have been necessary, allowing the patient to receive simple treatment with Invisalign Lite within 10 months.

The patient first visited the clinic for orthodontic treatment in February of last year.

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The patient wanted to correct the left front tooth, from the patient’s perspective, which had descended and protruded.

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A deep bite was visible, with the upper teeth covering a significant portion of the lower teeth.

The back molar marked by the blue arrow had a scissor bite, in which the upper and lower teeth met in a misaligned manner.

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The protrusion of the front teeth can be seen from the side.

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The second molar tilted toward the tongue can be seen.

Because it could not properly occlude with the opposing upper second molar, the patient had a scissor bite.

A condition in which the teeth are misaligned and do not occlude properly in this way is called a scissor bite.

To completely improve the molar relationship, tooth protrusion, and other issues, comprehensive orthodontic treatment would be required. This would also involve extracting premolars, and treatment would take at least two years.

The patient’s only concern was the left front tooth, so they did not want to invest that much time and money in treatment.

We decided to use Invisalign Lite, addressing the front teeth as much as possible within the achievable range while accepting that some goals would need to be given up, and to try to improve the scissor bite and protrusion as much as possible.

For four months, from March through July 2024, the patient continued treatment by changing the 14 aligners in the first set sequentially at seven-day intervals.

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A miniscrew was placed in the palate to achieve more definitive improvement of the scissor bite.

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Similarly, a miniscrew was placed to upright the severely tilted back molar more effectively.

A total of two miniscrews were placed.

Since Invisalign Lite is originally intended for mild malocclusion, placing miniscrews is not common.

They were placed to achieve the greatest possible effect within the permitted treatment period.

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To further correct the remaining issues, additional aligners were manufactured. This is how the teeth looked after wearing the 14 aligners in the second set for another four months, from August through December 2024.

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During the second set, partial MTA appliances were attached and a wire was inserted to apply stronger force and upright the tilted molar further.

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This is how the teeth looked after treatment was completed.

The deep bite, in which the front teeth occluded deeply, had improved.

The size of the black triangles could be reduced through interproximal reduction, but because excessive interproximal reduction should be avoided, a small amount of black triangle space remained.

Before and after treatment.

Left – before treatment / Right – after treatment

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Improvement in the protrusion of the front teeth through interproximal reduction

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Improvement in the alignment of the front teeth and the scissor bite

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The tilted molar was properly uprighted.

Improvement in the alignment of the lower front teeth through interproximal reduction

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Improvement in the deep bite and dental midline

As the protrusion of the front teeth was reduced and the space between the upper and lower teeth decreased, closing the lips became more comfortable.

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When the patient wears the Invisalign aligners diligently and the treating dentist makes every effort through procedures such as miniscrew placement and partial mini-tube attachments, good results can be achieved with Invisalign Lite in a short period.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Is Invisalign Lite possible even when tooth extraction is required?

It may be possible depending on the patient’s goals and dental condition. However, it may not completely resolve every case of protrusion or occlusal problem, so the decision should be made after thoroughly discussing the treatment goals.

Q. Can a scissor bite also be treated with Invisalign?

In mild or moderate cases, improvement may be possible by using Invisalign together with auxiliary appliances such as miniscrews.

Q. Are miniscrews always necessary?

No. They are not necessary for every patient. As in this case, they may be used to shorten the treatment period or move specific teeth more efficiently.

Q. Does orthodontic treatment in your 40s put strain on the gums?

After thoroughly evaluating the condition of the gums and proceeding with treatment using appropriate force, orthodontic treatment can often be performed safely.