Confused over orthodontist advice for teen DD

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Hi, my DD13 was referred to the orthodontist for an overbite but he refused treatment on the NHS and recommended she was monitored. Subsequently we asked him for advice privately and he said he did have some ideas but actually he didn’t.

The problem seems to be that the overbite is significant enough to potentially cause a problem (and DD is conscious of it) but he isn’t sure treatment would be successful in the longer term. He’d have to remove 4 teeth and might be able to realign the remaining teeth into position but they might not stay there. The teeth to be removed wouldn’t be at the back but halfway, so any gap will be visible.

Currently, apart from the overbite, DD has quite straight, neat teeth.

The orthodontist did say there were a few specialists who might provide Invisalign without removing the teeth and it “might” be successful, but he couldn’t (he isn’t an Invisalign specialist).

I’ve consulted someone else online (so far) who believes they can help without removing any teeth but there are so many caveats and the price is so high (>£3000) that I’m not at all sure what to do for the best.

Any advice?

I don’t know a great deal about it, but my niece’s overbite was corrected by bringing her lower jaw forward (rather than pushing the upper teeth backwards). She had to wear a specialist brace for a while but it was successful.

Thanks @Elisheva , as an early thumb sucker I think DD’s bottom teeth are also slightly out of alignment so not sure this would work but I have to admit it’s all new to me.

I’ve been investigating this for one of my children and I have been incredibly impressed by the work of Dr Michael Mew for overbites. He is based in the South East although many of his patients travel huge distances to see him.

I think you should ask for a 2nd opinion if he can't offer the treatment.
2 of my teens have just started treatment for overbites - having the reigning part of treatment first (9-12months) then will be assessed to see if any teeth need removed & braces needed to straighten teeth. Ortho was very clear that they will then need to wear a retainer at night basically for life to stop teeth moving back, initially every night for 6 months, reducing to 1 or nights a week after a yr.

I have friends whose adult children had same treatment & they have still got great results.
DD is nhs funded, DS didn't get funding - could have appealed but as he's 15 & this would have delayed another few months & already delayed due to covid so we've gone private route. His treatment will be £2000, this includes the need for braces although they said he may not require those so hopefully less. They do a payment plan so £500 deposit & smaller payment at each visit.

DS15 has been under the supervision of a consultant orthodontist at a local hospital for a couple of years. His teeth were a mess but braces are coming off next month 🎉 We were told his underbite wouldn't be treated for a couple of years as he's still growing, is it different with overbites?

My DD had NHS treatment for an overbite with no teeth removed - block & braces and traintracks - it's worked ok. There is a minimum overbite for NHS work.
I am hesitant to say orthodontic treatment really works as someone who had 4 teeth out and 5 years of train tracks - I have a tiny mouth and my top teeth are in line but my bottom teeth have slowly started moving back over the last 30 years. So many many years post the retainer.

I’m a dentist rather than an orthodontist but I think a lot of you are confusing overbite and overjet. How much the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth rather than how much the upper teeth stick out.
An underbite is usually due to a skeletal component hence having to wait until they’ve stopped growing

Thanks everyone. It’s helpful to hear some experiences to find out what other possibilities might be out there.

@RobinHumphries you’re probably right, that may be why DD didn’t qualify as the distance was measured at just over 4mm. The orthodontist talked very quickly so it was quite hard to remember everything accurately.

@Puddlelane123 thanks, I’ll look him up.

@Pinkbananas01 I think you’re right, we’re going to need a second opinion. I expected it to be straightforward. It sounds like your children have had good treatment.

@SammySueTwo I think this is my main worry, that the orthodontist doesn’t seem convinced even if he took teeth out. At least he’s being honest I suppose.