Case Study Spotlight: How Antiya Was Able To Avoid Surgery and Correct Her Smile With Invisalign
Being told you need jaw surgery to fix your smile can feel overwhelming. For adults, it often comes with concerns about recovery duration, overall costs, and long-term aesthetic impacts.
When Antiya came to Hatcher & Frey, she had been told she needed surgery in order to correct her bite and spacing issues. However, before moving forward with an expensive and invasive procedure, she wanted clarity. She made the smart decision to seek out a second opinion.
Antiya’s Concern: An Open Bite That Affected Daily Life
Antiya’s primary issue was an open bite, meaning her front teeth didn’t touch when she closed her mouth. This made simple things, like biting into food, difficult and frustrating. Also, because her front teeth didn’t meet, her tongue occupied the open space. This was concerning because it could interfere with proper function and long-term stability of her teeth and gums. Over time, this imbalance could affect chewing efficiency, speech, and gum health.
Aesthetically, Antiya wanted to improve the symmetry of her teeth. She had a reverse smile arc, and her teeth were flared outward, which impacted both facial support and overall smile harmony.
A Different Perspective Through Comprehensive Evaluation
Dr. Frey approached Antiya’s case by evaluating more than just her tooth alignment. He looked at the entire facial framework.
Her diagnostic process included:
- Detailed facial analysis
- Digital photographs
- X-rays to evaluate jaw relationships
- Advanced digital bite scans
An important step was to identify the ideal target position for the upper incisors and determining how the upper arch should relate to Antiya’s smile and facial structure.
The findings showed that Antiya’s upper teeth were positioned too far forward, contributing to the reverse smile architecture and bite instability. Most importantly, the evaluation revealed that surgery would not be necessary.
The Treatment Plan
With clear goals in place, closing the open bite, improving jaw function, enhancing smile aesthetics, and protecting long-term gum health, Dr. Frey designed a customized Invisalign treatment plan.
Using advanced digital technology, he built custom mechanics directly into Antiya’s aligners to guide specific tooth movements. The goal was to create a closed bite, improve tongue space, and restore proper function without surgery or additional appliances like rubber bands.
As treatment progressed, Antiya began to notice meaningful improvements:
- Chewing became easier and more comfortable
- Her speech improved as her bite stabilized
- Her gum health benefited from better tooth positioning and function
Addressing these concerns early was critical, especially where bone and gum support are involved. Proper bite alignment helps create a healthier long-term environment for the teeth and supporting structures.
The Results
By the end of treatment, Antiya achieved the outcome she hoped for without jaw surgery. Her bite now functions properly. Her smile arc looks natural and balanced. Her teeth are no longer flared, and her front teeth meet the way they’re supposed to.
Most importantly, the results matched the goals established from the beginning:
- Improved function
- Improved aesthetics
- Improved overall oral health
Why Second Opinions Matter
Antiya’s case highlights an important takeaway: when surgery or extractions are recommended, seeking a second opinion is essential. With modern orthodontic training, digital diagnostics, and advanced Invisalign planning, many complex bite issues can be treated conservatively and effectively.
At Hatcher & Frey, we believe orthodontic treatment should be guided by science, experience, and a comprehensive understanding of facial support and function rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Have you been told you need oral surgery? Schedule a consultation today, and let’s discuss your options.