Can Invisalign fix crossbite is a common question we receive at Lansdowne Family Dental from patients dealing with this misalignment issue that affects both their bite function and smile appearance. Yes, Invisalign can effectively treat many types of crossbites, including anterior crossbites (where upper front teeth sit behind lower front teeth), posterior crossbites (where upper back teeth bite inside lower back teeth), and even some cases of scissor bite, though the complexity and severity of your specific crossbite will determine treatment feasibility and duration. Invisalign uses precisely programmed tooth movements, strategic attachments, elastic bands, and sometimes additional techniques like interproximal reduction to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment and correct bite relationships.

While mild to moderate crossbites often respond excellently to Invisalign treatment, severe skeletal crossbites or cases requiring significant jaw repositioning may need traditional braces or surgical intervention for optimal results. At our dental practice, we specialize in complex Invisalign cases and use advanced 3D imaging technology to determine whether your crossbite can be successfully treated with clear aligners, creating a customized treatment plan that addresses both functional and aesthetic concerns. In this detailed analysis, we’ll explore how Invisalign corrects different types of crossbites, discuss treatment complexity and duration, examine candidacy requirements, and explain the advanced techniques we use to achieve optimal bite correction and long-lasting results for our crossbite patients.

    What Exactly is a Crossbite?

    A crossbite is an oral condition where the upper and lower teeth do not properly line up. Specifically:

    • Posterior crossbite: When the upper back teeth sit inside the lower back teeth
    • Anterior crossbite: When the upper front teeth sit inside the back of the lower front teeth

    Here are some quick facts about crossbites:

    • More common among children but can occur at any age
    • Usually hereditary but can also be caused by habits like thumb-sucking
    Can Invisalign Fix Crossbites

    What Causes Crossbites?

    Crossbites occur for different reasons, including:

    • Genetics and development: Jaw development issues lead to improper tooth alignment
    • Habits: Thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting
    • Injuries or trauma: Damage or changes to the shape of jaw bones
    • Cleft palate: Gap in the roof of the mouth interferes with proper tooth eruption

    Crossbites are commonly genetic in origin with developmental issues leading to jaw growth problems.

    Complications Crossbites Can Cause

    While crossbites may initially seem like just a cosmetic problem, over time they can lead to several oral health and functional issues including:

    • Tooth decay: Misaligned teeth are harder to keep clean
    • Gum disease: The altered bite makes gum tissue more prone to infection
    • Bone loss: Chewing imbalances from uneven bite distribution pressure bone
    • Impaired chewing: Reduced chewing ability and efficiency
    • Speech issues: Improper tongue positioning from odd dental alignment
    • Facial muscle strain: Constant clenching and uneven pressures
    • TMJ disorders: Jaw joints absorb imbalance, leading to pain and dysfunction
    • Sleep apnea: Narrower airways block nighttime breathing

    The longer a crossbite goes untreated, the higher your risk of these negative impacts.

    Can Invisalign Correct Crossbites?

    The good news is yes, Invisalign can effectively fix crossbites for many patients!

    As custom-fit plastic aligners, Invisalign trays apply mild but consistent pressures to gently shift teeth into better alignment. This includes correcting rotated, crowded, gapped, and crossed teeth.

    However, Invisalign may not work for every crossbite case depending on factors like:

    • The severity of the overbite/underbite: Very extensive bites often require fixed braces instead
    • Age: Invisalign works best on mature, fully erupted adult teeth
    • Jaw discrepancies: Skeletal misalignments may need combination therapy

    During your Invisalign consultation, we will perform thorough 3D imaging scans to determine if Invisalign alone can resolve your bite issues or if supplementary treatment is needed.

    Who is a Good Candidate For Treating Crossbites With Invisalign?

    In general, good Invisalign candidates for fixing crossbites include:

    • Adults and older teens with fully erupted permanent teeth
    • People with mild to moderate anterior or posterior crossbites
    • Healthy gums and bone structure supporting the teeth
    • Commitment to wearing aligners 20+ hours per day
    • Willingness to attend all required follow-up appointments

    Invisalign can treat complex cases with attachments, elastics, and staging. However, Invisalign may not work for severe skeletal misalignments requiring jaw surgery or similar interventions.

    Schedule an Invisalign consultation to see if you qualify for crossbite correction.

    What Does the Invisalign Crossbite Correction Process Look Like?

    Correcting crossbites with Invisalign is very similar to standard Invisalign treatment:

    1. Comprehensive exam: Assess oral health and anatomy with 3D scans
    2. Treatment plan: Map out exact realignment stages and visualize results
    3. Aligner design: Fabricate a custom aligner series to match the treatment plan
    4. Treatment: Wear aligners 20-22 hours per day, changing every 1-2 weeks
    5. Follow-ups: Monitor progress every 4-6 weeks and modify the plan if needed
    6. Retention: Get retainers to secure corrected alignment once treatment finishes

    Total Invisalign treatment time averages 9-15 months but depends on complexity.

    With good compliance, Invisalign crossbite correction provides excellent, lasting results without most fixed braces hassles. However, to prevent relapse you must commit to prescribed retention wear post-treatment.