Your Southern Ontario Invisalign® Provider
What Is a Crossbite?
A crossbite happens when your upper and lower teeth do not line up as they should when you bite down. Normally, the upper teeth sit just outside the lower teeth, but with a crossbite, some upper teeth may sit inside the lower ones. This can affect the front, back, or both areas of your mouth.
Crossbites can develop for different reasons, such as crowded teeth, differences in jaw width, or the way teeth grew in during childhood. To find out the type and cause of a crossbite, you will need a professional orthodontic consultation.
There are two main types of crossbite:
Anterior Crossbite
This type affects the front teeth. One or more upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth when you bite down. An anterior crossbite can change how your smile looks and how your front teeth work when you speak or eat.
Posterior Crossbite
This type involves the back teeth. The upper back teeth may bite inside the lower back teeth on one or both sides of your mouth. Posterior crossbites can affect how pressure is distributed when you chew, potentially leading to uneven tooth wear over time.
Why Correcting a Crossbite Matters
A crossbite is more than just a cosmetic concern. It's a functional problem that can have lasting consequences. This type of misalignment occurs when your upper and lower teeth don't come together properly, which may involve the positioning of your teeth, your jaw, or both.
If left untreated, a crossbite can cause uneven wear on your teeth, jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and even changes to your facial structure. It can also increase your risk of tooth damage, gum recession, and TMJ disorders. Correcting a crossbite restores proper function, protects your teeth from premature wear, and helps prevent these complications.
Can Invisalign Fix a Crossbite?
Many people ask if Invisalign can fix a crossbite. The answer depends on what's causing the misalignment. Invisalign works well for crossbites that are primarily related to tooth positioning. However, if your crossbite involves significant jaw or skeletal issues, you may need other treatments like palate expanders, traditional braces, or even orthodontic surgery.
So, how does Invisalign fix tooth-related crossbites? Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that apply controlled pressure to specific teeth. Each aligner is worn for a set period before moving on to the next one in the series. Over time, this guided movement can help reposition teeth into a healthier bite.
Sometimes, small attachments are placed on your teeth to help the aligners move them in specific ways. If needed, elastics might also be used to guide your teeth into proper alignment.
Does Invisalign Work for Crossbite in All Cases?
Patients often ask whether Invisalign works for a crossbite in every situation. The truth is, orthodontic treatment is never one-size-fits-all. Invisalign for crossbite correction can be suitable for many patients, but not every crossbite can be addressed with clear aligners alone.
Factors such as the severity of the crossbite, whether it involves just the teeth or the jaw, and your overall oral health all matter. At Village Orthodontics, we consider each patient’s needs to determine the best treatment option.
If Invisalign is not the best choice for your crossbite, braces might be recommended instead. Both are part of complete orthodontic care, and the right option depends on your needs and treatment goals.
Life During Invisalign Treatment for Crossbites
Good daily habits are important for successful orthodontic treatment. With Invisalign, you should remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water. Brushing and flossing regularly keep your teeth and gums healthy during treatment. These habits help you achieve a healthier bite, no matter which appliance you use.
After your orthodontic treatment is complete, you will need to wear retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions. Retainers are a vital part of your treatment plan, and your orthodontist will prescribe them based on your needs.
Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier Bite
If you are wondering whether clear aligners can fix a crossbite or are considering Invisalign for any other alignment needs, the best thing to do is book a consultation with an orthodontist. At Village Orthodontics, we offer free consultations, and you do not need a referral. Our orthodontic team provides personalized care for patients of all ages in Southern Ontario, including Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Guelph, Niagara Falls, Erin Mills, and Yorkville.