What is a Crossbite and How is it Fixed? PART 2
Does a Crossbite Require Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment?
Sometimes, a severe posterior crossbite does require interceptive orthodontic treatment, also called phase 1 orthodontic treatment. Dr. Krithika M Jayaram- your best orthodontist in Bangalore has consistently achieved excellent results with one phase of orthodontic treatment. However, there are cases where, during phase 1 treatment, Dr. Krithika M Jayaram- your best orthodontist in Cunningham Road, uses certain orthodontic appliances, like a rapid palatal expander. A palatal expander is a fixed appliance that sits against the roof of the mouth. As you activate the expander by turning a key, it gently widens the upper jaw.
Dr. Krithika M Jayaram- your best orthodontist in Vasanth Nagar, removes the expander, and then after a resting period where the remainder of the baby teeth fall out, the patient starts phase 2 orthodontic treatment, typically around age 12 or 13. During phase 2, we use braces or Invisalign Teen to straighten the teeth and ensure the bite is coming together properly.
Is Crossbite Correction Effective in Adults?
We can treat an anterior crossbite or a crossbite that is due to the position of the teeth at any age. For a posterior crossbite that is skeletal in nature, while it is never too late to have it fixed, getting treatment during childhood or the early teen years will help you achieve the best results more quickly and less invasively. This is because, before jaw growth is complete, we are still able to widen the upper jaw.
In the past, treating a severe posterior crossbite in an adult would have required corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, along with orthodontic treatment. However, thanks to advances in technology and treatments, we can fix a crossbite in an adult without surgery in more cases than ever before.
How to Fix a Crossbite
Invisalign
Can Invisalign fix a crossbite? Yes, Invisalign in Bangalore can fix a crossbite in certain cases. If you have an anterior crossbite or a single-tooth crossbite, Invisalign or Invisalign Teen will be super effective.
If clear aligners are used, we may need to pair your aligners with Invisalign attachments. These tooth-colored buttons are bonded to your teeth and act almost like a handlebar for your aligners to push off in order to achieve more complex tooth movements. Invisalign rubber bands could be needed too. Rubber bands provide the connective force necessary to improve your bite or the way your upper and lower teeth meet.
Braces
We can fix a crossbite with metal braces or clear braces. In fact, certain types of crossbite respond better to braces, usually along with rubber bands, than Invisalign. Whether we use braces alone or in combination with other treatments and appliances will depend on the severity of your crossbite and whether it is skeletal or related to the position of your teeth.
Auxiliaries and Orthodontic Appliances
When treating a posterior crossbite with braces or Invisalign, we may need some help from auxiliaries like rubber bands and/or Invisalign attachments. Other patients may respond well to using innovations like temporary anchorage devices (TADs) with their braces. TADs are an alternative to headgear and give Dr. Krithika M Jayaram- your best orthodontist near Lavelle Road, a fixed anchor point from which to achieve complicated tooth movements.
If you think your child has a crossbite, or you have one yourself, schedule a consultation with us at Quintessence Dental Clinic, where,Dr. Krithika will examine your case and create a personalized treatment plan to fix the crossbite and help you or your child achieve optimal oral health and function.
