If you want to straighten misaligned teeth, clear aligners could be the perfect treatment option. Invisalign aligners are one of our specialties at Ammons Dental by Design - and it could be the key to your best smile ever.
Can Invisalign fix a crossbite? Here is what you need to know:
If you have a child that sucks their thumb, deter them from doing so. This is one of the ways that a crossbite or overbite can develop, causing a lifetime of discomfort and dental issues.
Talk to your dentist about a smile assessment and evaluation to determine if your mouth is well suited to Invisalign clear aligners for treating and correcting your crossbite. They can consider factors like the severity of the misalignment, your dental history, genetics, and more to find the teeth straightening solution that works best for you and that delivers the results that you want.
Thinking that you might have a crossbite? It is estimated that around 5% of the population does- here are some of the common causes of a crossbite:
Your dental provider must take x-rays to correctly diagnose a crossbite.
It makes good sense to correct and treat a crossbite. A severe crossbite may have medical ramifications which make treatment, like Invisalign, quite prudent. For example, a crossbite may contribute to sleep issues and breathing difficulties if left untreated.
A crossbite can impede oral hygiene which may result in gum disease. In extreme cases, bacteria and plaque can travel through the bloodstream, compromising bodily systems and organs along the way. Furthermore, a crossbite may impact your appearance and cause self-consciousness or withdrawn behavior.
The first thing to do is to schedule an appointment with a trusted dental provider in your area. Depending on the severity of your crossbite, your dentist may opt for traditional braces or clear aligners—or both in some instances.
If your jaw is particularly small, you may be prescribed a palatal expander, which can help widen the jaw to rectify the issue. Some other crossbite treatment modalities include:
The best approach is contingent on an accurate diagnosis. The best treatment protocols depend on the severity of your crossbite, as well as the condition of your teeth. Talk to your dental provider to learn more.
There is no way to say for sure how long it will take to straighten your misaligned teeth- there are too many factors that come into play. Your dental provider should be able to give you a better timeline but know that typically it takes anywhere from six months to 18 months to correct a crossbite, on average about a year.
If your crossbite is not too severe, you may be a candidate for Invisalign Express, which can straighten your teeth in just six months.
If you have a crossbite, contact us today at Ammons Dental by Design to find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. Dr. Michael Ammons is our in-house Invisalign specialist; schedule your appointment at one of our convenient locations in downtown Charleston, Summerville, Camden, and James Island. We look forward to meeting you!