Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a popular and effective way of treating different malocclusions. They are transparent, comfortable, and usually require a shorter treatment period than metal braces. But, if you’ve been doing some research about clear aligners, you may have discovered that they can’t treat every type of malocclusion.
If you have a crossbite, then this information may seem like a problem. You want to correct your crossbite, but you would like to avoid bulky metal braces. So, can you use Invisalign to fix your crossbite?
Let’s find out!
What Is a Crossbite?
When we talk about crossbites, we refer to a misalignment that happens between the lower and the upper jaw. This misalignment causes some of the upper teeth to close inside of the lower teeth, or right on top of them. A correct bite would be when the upper teeth fall slightly in front of the lower teeth when the mouth is closed.
Aside from the odd position of your teeth, other signs of a crossbite include:
- Toothaches
- Headaches
- Pain while biting and chewing
- Other jaw problems
As you can see, a crossbite does not only affect the way your teeth look, but it also affects your oral health. If not treated, it can lead to major jaw problems, tooth decay, and even gum disease due to plaque and tartar buildup.
Is Invisalign Able to Fix a Crossbite?
The short answer to this question is yes, in most cases, Invisalign can fix a crossbite. However, only a dentist can determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign in Port Orange after examining your bite. But, as we said, most types of crossbite can be treated with clear aligners.
If your crossbite is too severe, other steps might be needed to complete the treatment. For example, if the crossbite is caused by severe teeth misalignment, then Invisalign may not be enough and you will need traditional orthodontic treatment. But, if the crossbite occurred due to skeletal reasons, then you will need surgery first followed by aligners or braces.
If the dentist decides that you are a good candidate for Invisalign, you can expect between 3 to 18 months of treatment. The more severe the crossbite, the longer you will need to wear them to get the desired results.
Benefits of Wearing Invisalign
The main reason people opt for Invisalign is that the clear aligners can go unnoticed.
Other benefits of wearing Invisalign are:
- They are comfortable as they apply gentle pressure on the teeth until they are brought to the correct position.
- They are easy to clean and allow you to maintain a proper oral hygiene.
- They are removable and you can take them off for eating and cleaning. However, you must wear them at least 22 hours per day to make sure the treatment is as effective as possible.
Want to Correct Your Crossbite with Invisalign? We Can Help!
Are you interested in clear aligners, but aren’t sure if they are the right treatment option for you?
Come visit us at Smillie Dental and we will examine your bite and determine the best way to fix your crossbite.
Contact us today to book your appointment with one of our doctors.
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