For you to have a bite that’s considered normal, your upper teeth should rest slightly outside your lower teeth at the front and back of your mouth and along the sides. When that doesn’t happen, it means you have a malocclusion, which is often referred to as a “bad bite.”
Overbites and underbites are two common kinds of bad bites. A crossbite is yet another kind of bad bite that patients often seek treatment for. A crossbite occurs when at least one of your upper teeth are out of alignment with your lower teeth.
Types of Crossbites
In general, there are two kinds of crossbites that typically require the attention of an orthodontist. A posterior crossbite is when your top back teeth come down inside the bottom teeth located at the back of your mouth. It’s estimated that between one and 16 percent of kids experience this type of crossbite before their permanent teeth grow in.
The other kind of crossbite is an anterior crossbite. If you have an anterior crossbite, your upper front teeth rest behind the lower teeth located at the front of your mouth. The estimated incidence of anterior crossbite is between four and five percent.
Causes of a Crossbite
While genetics can cause a person to have a crossbite, some non-genetic factors can also cause someone to develop the condition. Here are some of the non-genetic factors that can cause a person to have a crossbite:
- Thumb sucking
- Mouth breathing
- Unusual or delayed tooth growth
Possible Consequences of a Crossbite
No matter what has caused your crossbite, the condition can cause you to suffer some unfortunate consequences. Here are some of the potential consequences a crossbite can cause:
- Reduced self-esteem
- Poor sleep
- Bone loss
- Speech impediment
- Inability to eat properly
- TMJ
- Gum problems
- Toothaches
- Headaches
- Achy jaw
Invisalign Treatment for Crossbites
Just because you have a crossbite, it doesn’t mean you’re destined to live with chronic headaches or a jaw that’s painful. In recent years, Invisalign clear aligners have emerged as an effective way to treat crossbites. Today, there are Invisalign teen treatments as well as Invisalign treatments for adults.
While you may be diagnosed with a crossbite like a lot of other people are, your Invisalign treatment will be unique to you. Although you might have the same condition as another patient, your crossbite may be completely different from someone else’s. For this reason, your Invisalign orthodontist will create a custom treatment plan for you.
Invisalign treatment for crossbites takes time, but you’ll see progress throughout your treatment. When your Invisalign treatment is done, you’ll be able to enjoy your best smile.
Choose Clearsmile Orthodontics for Your Crossbite Invisalign Treatment
If you live in or near Charlotte, NC, Clearsmile Orthodontics is your best choice for crossbite Invisalign treatment. When you look through Dr. Webb’s patient gallery, you’ll see that he’s successfully treated crossbites with varying degrees of severity with Invisalign aligners.
Don’t wait any longer to enjoy your best smile! Schedule an Invisalign consultation with Clearsmile Orthodontics now.