Invisalign for Crossbite

Can Invisalign Correct a Crossbite?

Invisalign works well for most cases of crossbites. The duration of Invisalign treatment for a crossbite can vary depending on the severity of the case. On average, Invisalign treatment for a crossbite may take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

What Is a Crossbite?

A crossbite is a dental condition where the upper and lower teeth do not align properly when the jaw is closed. It is characterized by one or more upper teeth biting inside the lower ones rather than outside, potentially causing issues with chewing, speaking, and overall dental health.
There are two types of crossbites:

• Posterior crossbite. A posterior crossbite affects your back teeth, so your upper back teeth will bite inside your lower back teeth when ideally, they should be biting just outside. A crossbite can affect one or both sides of the mouth.
• Anterior crossbite. An anterior crossbite affects your front teeth, so one or more teeth will bite inside your lower teeth. If most of your front teeth bite inside your lower teeth, this is called an underbite.

Don’t let a crossbite compromise your appearance and result in significant dental conditions. Seek professional treatment to correct the misalignment and restore a harmonious smile, ultimately preventing more serious tooth problems.

What Can Cause a Crossbite?

Often, a crossbite is caused by genetics, but it can be due to oral habits during childhood. These include thumb sucking and mouth breathing or using a pacifier beyond age three.

A crossbite may also be caused if you have abnormal tooth growth or tooth development was delayed somehow.

Patients Experience

What Problems Are Caused by a Crossbite?

A crossbite can affect your appearance, so your smile doesn’t look its best. It can cause significant dental health problems, including teeth that frequently ache because they come under too much pressure when you bite and chew food. It can be painful to bite and chew.

You may find it difficult to speak clearly. When your teeth don’t meet together properly, it can cause jaw problems, particularly a problem called temporomandibular jaw disorder or TMD, which can cause facial pain and even headaches.

An improper bite can cause teeth grinding and clenching, a nocturnal habit that can affect the quality of sleep and which causes teeth to wear down significantly, and they may start to chip. Excessive pressure on your teeth caused by a crossbite can make your gums recede and may lead to painful gum issues or jawbone loss.

When correcting crossbites using Invisalign, we may need to use elastics that gradually expand or constrict your dental arch, creating more room so teeth can be aligned properly. The elastics used during Invisalign for crossbites treatment are highly discreet and tooth-colored.

When you visit South Nassau Dental Arts, we can assess your crossbite and determine if Invisalign is the right solution.

Benefits of Using Invisalign for a Crossbite

In our experience, Invisalign has been a game changer when it comes to crossbite correction.
The most significant reasons why choosing Invisalign to correct your crossbite is superior to traditional braces include:

• Improved aesthetics. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, allowing you to straighten your teeth discreetly.
• Comfortable and removable. Invisalign aligners are custom-made for comfort and can be easily removed for eating, drinking, as well as brushing and flossing your teeth.
• Reduced treatment time. Invisalign treatment can be faster compared to traditional braces, with some cases taking as little as six months.
• Convenience and fewer visits. Invisalign requires fewer orthodontic visits compared to metal braces, making it a convenient option for busy individuals.
• Virtually less pain. Clear aligners are praised for being less painful than metal braces when moving teeth and straightening a bite.

Please note that the benefits may vary from case to case. Your orthodontist will determine the best treatment approach based on the severity of your misalignment and the type of crossbite you have.

Dr. Adam Shoukry, DDS, is a cosmetic dentist who strives to provide each of his patients with personalized care and educate them on the state of their dental health so that they can make informed decisions. Dr. Shoukry really enjoys his work and is committed to continued education, having attended several accredited courses in every aspect of dentistry.

Dr. Shoukry graduated from NYU College of Dentistry with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and then completed his general practice residency at Nassau University Medical Center. Being a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Shoukry strives to provide comprehensive dental examinations, a full range of cosmetic treatments, and the best restorative oral health care available.

More about Dr. Shoukry