What is a crossbite? A crossbite is a common dental issue. It can lead to other problems later, like jaw pain and tooth wear. In the past, you could only fix a crossbite with braces treatment.
Today, a crossbite is one of several dental issues that can be repaired with Invisalign clear aligners. Advancements in clear aligner technology have made Invisalign incredibly effective at repairing crossbites.
Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics is a proud Top 1% Provider for Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. Discover how Invisalign can improve and enhance your smile.
What Is a Crossbite?
A crossbite is a common type of malocclusion or “bad bite.” In a crossbite, one or more lower teeth sit outside or directly under the upper teeth. Typically, the top teeth are positioned slightly outside the lower teeth. A crossbite can be one or two teeth or several teeth.
Crossbites are classified into two main types: anterior crossbites and posterior crossbites. The anterior crossbite occurs when your front lower teeth sit in front of your upper teeth when your jaw is closed. The posterior crossbite is when the back lower teeth sit outside the back upper teeth.
A crossbite can be a single dental problem. It can also happen with other issues, like crowded teeth, overbites, or underbites.
How Can Invisalign Fix a Crossbite?
Invisalign is a proven method to repair crossbite cases and other dental issues. The system uses sets of customized, clear aligners that are virtually invisible.
These aligners are removable, so they don’t interfere with the patient’s lifestyle and eating habits. They are made of a clear acrylic material, which makes them difficult to see, even up close.
Invisalign is proven to work great with crossbite correction and other dental issues, including:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Deep bites
- Crowded teeth
- Gap teeth
- Open bites
Why Fix a Crossbite?
Depending on the severity, a crossbite can lead to other issues further down the road. This can include:
- Toothaches
- Excessive tooth wear
- Jaw pain
- Sleep apnea
- Headaches
- Speech issues
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) issues
While crossbites can lead to many issues, they can be fixed through treatment with Invisalign.
Treating a Crossbite With Invisalign
Orthodontic treatment can correct a crossbite, either with the use of metal braces, clear braces, or with Invisalign. Invisalign clear aligners have become a popular alternative to braces for various reasons, from aesthetics to better hygiene.
Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics is a Top 1% Provider of Invisalign for the Topeka, KS, area. We offer Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. The Teen version has special indicators that change color. These indicators alert the teenager when it’s time to change aligners.
Here is what to expect when we treat you with Invisalign.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Invisalign clear aligners are created to fit the patient’s mouth precisely. Orthodontists at Wilson & Hendrickson scan the patient’s mouth using the iTero Element scanner. This creates a detailed, 3D image of the patient’s mouth that can be viewed from any angle. This allows us to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your mouth.
From there, the aligners are created using SmartTrack material, which provides an accurate fit for every patient. The aligners are then trimmed to match the gumline, making them nearly invisible. Patients can practice showing off their beautiful smiles during treatment!
Changing Invisalign Trays
Patients will wear each set of aligners for about 1-2 weeks. Each set (one upper and one lower tray) is designed to move the teeth a little more. The clear aligners are switched out until the teeth are correctly positioned.
Upon reaching your final set of aligner trays, you will be scheduled for an in-office visit. We’ll check your progress and provide the next few sets of trays. We’ll let you know whether your treatment is on track or whether you may need to wear your current trays a bit longer.
After Treatment
After finishing your treatment and fixing the crossbite, it is important to follow the maintenance guidelines. This will help keep your teeth straight and aligned for many years. At first, you will need to wear your retainers most of the day. This is like how you used your clear aligners.
Vivera Retainers maintain the straight teeth created by the Invisalign clear aligners. Like Invisalign, Vivera Retainers are customized for each patient.
At first, you will need to wear your retainers for most of the day, similar to how you used your clear aligners. This allows your jawbone to harden and secure your teeth in their new position.
After a few months, you can reduce the time spent wearing your retainers to just a few hours each day. Most people find it convenient to wear them overnight.
Wearing your retainers consistently will ensure you keep your straight, healthy smile forever!
Invisalign Advantages
Invisalign clear aligners have several advantages for patients. In contrast to braces, Invisalign aligners are removable. This means the aligners can be removed for proper cleaning, as well as for teeth brushing and flossing. That means better oral hygiene during treatment.
Because they’re removable, there are no food restrictions with Invisalign. Instead, the aligners are removed for eating and drinking. Enjoy your favorite foods while working toward a beautifully aligned smile.
Invisalign Disadvantages
While Invisalign has a lot of advantages, it also has a few drawbacks. You must wear your clear aligners at least 22 hours a day for them to be fully effective. Failure to do so may result in a delay in your treatment progress.
You also must be careful to store your clear aligners in a protective case and safe place when they aren’t in your mouth. Keep them away from small children or pets who can damage them. Avoid wrapping them in a napkin during meals, as this increases the risk of accidentally discarding them.
Invisalign is a great treatment choice. However, you must be responsible for wearing and caring for them.
Repairing Crossbites in Topeka, KS
The first step to a better smile is to schedule a consultation with Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics. We’ll be able to provide more information on the best treatment method for you and answer any questions you have!
