How Effective is Invisalign For Crossbite or Deep bite

Invisalign has become one of the most popular dental treatments. It helps correct malocclusion or misalignment of teeth. So, how effective is Invisalign in correcting dental problems like crossbite or deep bite (Most commonly known as an overbite)?

Before answering this question, we need to know how Invisalign works and what crossbites and deep bites are.

How does Invisalign treatment work?

Before Invisalign treatment begins, a 3D scan of your teeth will be taken, which will then be used to create custom aligners for you.

These clear aligners are worn and will exert a gentle force on your teeth. It shifts your teeth gradually to the correct position to fix the crossbite or deep bite.

These aligners will be replaced with a new one every two weeks as teeth slowly move into final positions planned.

You can check out our “Complete Guide To How Invisalign Works & What The Benefits Are” for a more thorough explanation.

Crossbite vs Deep bite

Crossbites and deep bites/overbites are two relatively common types of malocclusion. As mentioned, malocclusion is a medical term meaning poor positioning of the teeth when the jaws are closed.

Crossbite or deep bite is not limited to cosmetic problems. These are malocclusion which also has a negative effect on functions such as biting and chewing. Moreover, it also exaggerates the tooth wear rate for patients who already suffer from grinding or clenching issues.

What is a Crossbite?

Crossbite meaning when upper teeth fit inside lower teeth when they meet together. It may affect a single tooth or groups of your teeth. It can involve the front teeth(anterior), back teeth(posterior), or both.

Crossbites can cause several dental issues. Besides aesthetic issues, other possible consequences are increased wear on teeth structures, irregular enamel wear, Jaw joint issues ( TMD), and functional issues such as chewing in severe cases.

Crossbite can also affect the jaw and facial development, particularly in younger patients.

Some causes of crossbite include: 

• GENETICS – If your family has a history of crossbite, it is more likely for you or your children to develop it too.
• MOUTH BREATHING – Mouth breathing can result from an obstruction in the upper airway or may have been brought about by a habit formed in childhood. Breathing through the mouth can alter the growth pattern of the face. Children with small upper jaws whose mouth breathes have an increased likelihood of getting a crossbite.
• THUMB SUCKING – Children may develop habits of thumb sucking and can be problematic for their teeth. It puts extra strain on developing teeth while also harming the soft tissues and bone within the mouth. Thumb sucking may also affect tooth movement and jaw growth which can lead to a crossbite.
• DELAYED PERMANENT TOOTH ERUPTION – There are cases when baby teeth have loosened but did not fall off, causing a delay for permanent teeth to set in. If the teeth having this problem is in the upper jaw, it can result in a crossbite.  

There are two types of crossbite.

Anterior Crossbite

An anterior crossbite occurs when the upper teeth are stuck behind the lower teeth, causing the lower teeth to bite ahead of the upper teeth. In this type of crossbite, some or all upper anterior teeth are positioned behind the lower anterior teeth. In some cases, the lower front teeth may completely obscure the upper front teeth.

Posterior Crossbite

Posterior crossbite is the opposite of an anterior crossbite as the top back teeth are positioned inside the bottom back teeth. This type of crossbite occurs when the upper jaw or teeth are narrower than the lower teeth. Posterior crossbites can appear on one side or both sides of the mouth.

Can you use Invisalign to fix crossbite?

Yes, Invisalign can fix a crossbite. There are different ways to approach this, depending on its severity. For more severe cases, a patient may use other treatments together with Invisalign to achieve better results. (For example, orthognathic surgery) 

Invisalign treatment is extremely effective for single tooth anterior crossbites. It can fix the malocclusion without the need for other dental procedures.

For mild to moderate posterior crossbites, your dentist may pair Invisalign with auxiliaries such as elastic wear. Auxiliaries are tools that use conjunctive to an Invisalign to enhance its effectiveness. Together, aligners and elastics gradually reposition the teeth into their proper positions over time. 

In some moderate to severe posterior crossbites for growing patients (Children), the Dentist can also use orthodontic devices together with Invisalign. (For example, Twin blocks).  They help guide bone growth in young patients, correct unfavourable habits such as pencil sucking, tongue thrust, and prepare patients’ teeth for Invisalign treatment.

For severe cases of posterior crossbites, a Rapid Palatal Expander, or RPE, can be used in combination with Invisalign. This device fits in the upper jaw over a few back teeth.

It has a turning screw in the middle, which patients can turn small amounts each day with a special key to create a slight pressure at the upper palatal bone for expansion. Over time, the jaw widens as the palatal bones grow wider apart.

How long does it take to fix a crossbite with Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners can correct a crossbite within 12 to 36 months, depending on the severity of your crossbite.

What is a Deep bite?

Deep bite is more commonly known as overbite or buck teeth. It occurs when the upper set of teeth overlaps with the lower teeth, moreover the normal range.

Similar to a crossbite, a deep bite can also be hereditary.

Thumb sucking in the early years also encourage deep bite development. The pressure on the palate may influence permanent teeth to grow at an abnormal angle.

Deep bite is also a common presentation together with dental crowding. 

A deep bite can cause severe issues if untreated. Some of the problems may include:

• Difficulty in chewing 
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Damage to gums and other teeth
• Breathing Issues
• Speech Impediment

Can Invisalign correct deep bite?

Yes, Invisalign can correct a deep bite. It is one of the most common bite problems across all age groups.

Dentists can use the Invisalign Mandibular Advancement feature to improve deep bite for growing patients with the underdeveloped lower jaw. The Mandibular Advancement feature adds on a pair of plastic wings to the regular aligners.

It helps a young growing child posture the lower jaw forward in small increments while fixing the bite. It straightens the teeth and aligns the jaw simultaneously.

After the age of 12-13, auxiliaries such as elastic wear are used together with clear aligners to correct a deep bite or overbite. It gradually moves the bottom teeth forward while moving the top teeth back.

How long does it take to fix a deep bite with Invisalign?

The treatment time will depend on the severity of the deep bite. That said, Invisalign treatment may take between 6 to 36 months to fully correct.

So, how effective is Invisalign in treating crossbite and deep bite?

Invisalign has garnered a lot of praise and popularity over how effective it is in fixing dental problems. Crossbites and deep bites are just two of the many issues it can fix, and Invisalign is indeed an effective solution.

Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners are almost unnoticeable. You can also take it off at any time. It makes it much easier to clean your teeth or eat a meal.

We can conclude that Invisalign is an effective treatment for both crossbites and deep bites with the information provided. You can achieve a perfect smile with straight teeth. It will help boost your confidence and improve your overall dental health. If you are interested or looking for advice on treating your crossbite or deep bite. Please give us a call or send in an enquiry @ www.casadental.com.sg. We are Invisalign diamond providers since 2018. With our professional and passionate dental team, we dedicate ourselves to help you achieve the smile of your dream.