Our dental clinic is open and you can read our COVID-safe procedures here.
We have unfortunately had to temporarily stop our beauty treatments in line with Government regulations. All existing appointments will be rescheduled.
Our dental clinic is open and you can read our COVID-safe procedures here.
We have unfortunately had to temporarily stop our beauty treatments in line with Government regulations. All existing appointments will be rescheduled.
You know you want to fix your misaligned smile, and you’re almost certain Invisalign is the treatment for you. But you may have heard that Invisalign isn’t suitable for treating every issue with tooth position, which can leave you wondering whether It is for you.
Although you may see your smile as misaligned, there are several different types of malocclusion. The angles and positions of your teeth all impact the treatment routes available to you.
If you’ve been told you have a crossbite, you may wonder whether this is something we can fix with Invisalign.
This guide will help you understand your crossbite and discuss whether Invisalign is suitable for correcting this.
Crossbite occurs when your upper teeth fit behind your lower teeth when your mouth is closed. Ordinarily, your teeth should meet when you close your mouth.
This can alter your facial appearance and place undue stress on your jaw. Many people with crossbite develop temporomandibular disorder, a painful jaw problem that causes discomfort in your face, neck, and head.
Crossbite is a common problem with several potential causes. These include genetic factors like the size and shape of your jaw, injuries, mouth breathing, cleft palate, and habits in early childhood.
If you sucked a dummy or your thumb frequently as a child and continued the habit, the motion could have pushed your teeth inwards, causing the misalignment.
Fixing a crossbite will improve your smile's appearance and make it easier to chew. Correcting any misalignment can make it easier to clean your teeth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
If your bite is fixed, it can alleviate jaw pain and make it easier for you to breathe.
The good news is that Invisalign can fix mild to moderate cases of crossbite. Every case is different, and we would need to examine your teeth and jaws to determine whether this is the best treatment for your needs.
To fix your crossbite, we’ll need to move your upper teeth until they align with your lower teeth. If the distance we need to move your teeth is less than 2 mms, Invisalign will be effective.
You will need to wear your aligner for 22 hours each day to achieve the expected results from your treatment.
In more advanced cases, you may need fixed braces or a combination of treatments.
Invisalign treatment involves wearing removable clear aligners. These aligners generate constant pressure against your teeth. It’s this force that slowly moves your teeth into position.
Every Invisalign treatment is customised, so you’ll get made-to-measure aligners tailored to your smile. Because your teeth constantly move during treatment, we’ll give you a new aligner every two weeks. Although your new aligner might look exactly the same as the last one, it’s designed to create very slight movements. Over the entire treatment, these small changes add up.
You can take your aligner out when eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth.
The duration of your Invisalign treatment will depend on the severity of your crossbite, your age, your general health, and your ability to adhere to the treatment plan.
Mild treatments can take as few as six months, while other cases may require you to wear aligners for up to two years. Once your aligner treatment ends, you will need to wear a retainer to maintain the results.
Invisalign is a convenient and discreet way to treat orthodontic issues, including crossbite. If you have a crossbite or any other bite issue, an assessment is essential to determine if Invisalign is right for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Dartford
Rugby
