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Let’s be honest: your teeth are like a band. They belong together to jam out in harmony; however, if a single tooth or a whole group of teeth start to act up and bite the wrong side of the stage then a crossbite occurs.
For adults, a crossbite can lead to jaw pain, uneven wear of teeth, migraines, and, let’s just say, a little more trouble than your WiFi connection.
If you are here reading this, you have probably already typed in “crossbite correction,”. So, sit back and enjoy yourself as we take you through a slightly whimsical, yet sound, journey to how we treat crossbite in adults at Partha Dental.
Crossbite Types
First, let’s take the mystery out of what crossbite correction is actually doing.
When we are correcting a crossbite, we are asking your jaw, teeth, and supporting bone to cooperate again – repositioning teeth, moving your jaw, or modifying the supporting structure of the teeth.
Correction is more challenging in adults as bones are less flexible, however, we have tools in our dental treasure chest (braces, clear aligners, mini-implants, etc.) to help bring your bite into proper alignment.
There are few different categories of crossbite:
- Dental crossbite: a tooth is tilted or out of alignment
- Skeletal crossbite: the alignment is due to the jaw alignment
- Functional crossbite: the bite has shifted to one side in habit.
Your approach to treatment will depend on your “flavor” of crossbite (or a combination).
What Crossbite Treatment Options Are Available?
Here’s the exciting part: there are actually many ways to deal with this situation. Let’s discuss common crossbite treatment modalities, pros + cons and whether Invisalign can do the job.
Traditional Braces (Metal, Ceramic, Lingual)
The “gold standard” method. Brackets, wires, tightening the whole “official band tour.” With braces we can:
- Move individual teeth into the appropriate position
- Utilize elastics + auxiliary devices to treat any bite issues
- Sometimes, if indicated, we can use an expander or mini-screws
Pros: Dependable, works even when there is a problem with a severe crossbite.
Cons: Somewhat visible, food limitations, initially you may feel a bit “metal-mouth”.
Book your FREE consultationClear Aligners + Invisalign
That’s right: the “invisible hero” adults can’t stop dreaming about.
The question: will an Invisalign clear aligner fix a crossbite? The answer is, If the crossbite is not too severe, then yes! With the right terms, Invisalign can treat a crossbite in most cases.
Clear aligners gently move teeth by applying forces over time. For cases like dental crossbites, mild-moderate skeletal crossbites, or in certain functional crossbite situations, aligners can be a very sleek option.
At Partha Dental, we always try to assess when your crossbite would be a candidate for aligners. If you’re lucky we can let you enjoy your favorite foods and selfies without all the wires.
Surgical + Orthodontic Combination
In adult patients with a skeletal crossbite (i.e. jaw bones are not aligned), although sometimes the entire treatment plan calls for both orthognathic (jaw) surgery and braces.
It’s a two-part “rock and roll” show -surgery of one form to treat your jaw, then orthodontic to fine-tune the rest!
Micro-implants, Expanders & Other Auxiliaries
To assist crossbite treatment, we may consider mini-implants (TADs), palatal expanders, or other attachments which allow a force to be anchored to the teeth, or allow serial intervention, or simply widen the dental arch.
These would be considered the behind-the-scenes crew to make sure the main act (your teeth) appears in the best light.
What Is the Cost of Crossbite Treatment
Ah, yes the million dollar question. The cost of crossbite treatment differs due to a number of different factors. Let’s get into it:
- Severity of the crossbite
- Treatment type
- Your geographic location, clinician reputation, materials used
- Length of time
Cost in India
At Partha Dental, we offer you a formal estimation after your examination + scan + analysis.
But we promise there are no shady, underhanded tricky pricing.
Can Invisalign Fix Crossbite?
One of the most common searches we see is: “can Invisalign fix crossbite?” Let’s answer it:
The answer is yes; in many situations, Invisalign can fix crossbites. Mostly, however, this applies to:
- Dental crossbites
- Mild-to-moderate skeletal (functional crossbites)
- When additional anchorage or auxiliaries can help move teeth
But there are many limits to what Invisalign will be able to do.
If we are looking at a severe skeletal (jaw misalignment) crossbite, braces + surgery or hybrid treatments may outperform aligners.
At Partha Dental, when seeing patients, they get digital scans, x-rays and simulation of what might happen if they do NOT or DO treatment.
So, if aligners seem like a safe bet, that is the option we will present; if there are stronger options, we will direct them toward that treatment.
Crossbite in Adults – Why You Shouldn’t Wait Longer
You might be asking, “I’ve lived with this crossbite my whole life is it really a big deal to fix now?” To put it bluntly: yes!
Here’s why it’s a good idea to get your crossbite treated in adults earlier rather than later:
1. Wear and Tear – Having unequal pressure on your teeth can wear down the enamel on certain teeth.
2. Jaw Pain / TMJ Issues – Prolonged shifting can stress your TMJ or jaw joint leading to pain, clicking and headaches.
3. Gum Recession & Bone Loss – Shifting will create repeated stress on your teeth that will lead to the breakdown of your periodontium.
4. Appearance & Confidence – If your bite is more centered, you will have a more attractive smile, more support on your lateral lip, and confidence overall.
5. Ease of Correction – The earlier it is corrected (even if you have to wait until you are an adult), the less the correction will have to accommodate and compromise.
We always say your teeth are loyal soldiers; this is true, loyalty can cause teams to go rogue!
Bottom line, the sooner the better!
What to Expect at Partha Dental Crossbite Correction Journey
Let’s take you through the guest experience from contacting us to the polished smile you’ll walk out with.
1. Consultation & Dental Assessment We will conduct a scan of your teeth (in 3D), take some photographs, perform x-rays, evaluations of your jaw, and assess your bite. We will make an assessment of which type of crossbite you have and make a plan of what options you have.
2. Treatment Plan Discussion
We’ll chat about what treatment options you have (braces, clear aligners, a combination thereof, and surgery if indicated) and also talk about cost for crossbite treatment, length of treatment, pros & cons.
3. Start Treatment Phase
If the plan is for aligners, we will give you your first trays as well as any attachments or anchor devices. If you are getting braces, we will place the brackets & wires as well. In the event of needing surgery, we will arrange to have an oral surgeon perform any necessary procedure.
4. Mid-Treatment Follow Up & Adjustments Follow ups every month to check in on your progress. We will refine, adjust, add elastics or move to the next aligners.
5. Refinement / Finishing Stage After the bulk of the correction is complete, we will polish, finalize your bite, and perhaps add some final wires, fine aligners, or minor attachments.
6. Retention (The Grand Finale!) As the grand show has ended, we will give you retainers (fixed or removable) either way, it’s a big deal! This stage is tremendously important. Your teeth are like party guests who may sneak out the back door unless you keep it locked.
7. Continued Follow Up & Maintenance Often we will check in, monitor and support you along the way we do not go away after the main show is over.
Timeframe for Your Crossbite Treatment & Physical Expectation
We understand that a timeline for seeing visible results (in addition to the discomfort of new appliances or adjusting to new wires) is important. Here’s a highly generalized timeline for adult crossbite treatment:
- The initial phase (0–3 months): You will feel pressure, and at times tenderness, as new trays or wires are placed. (Ibuprofen and eating soft foods will be your fast friends.)
- The mid phase (3–9 months): This will be the time when you will begin to see gradual changes and the crossbite will begin to reduce.
- The refinement phase (9-15+ months): More minor adjustments and final touches to try and match up the bite on both sides.
Retention phase (ongoing): You will likely be wearing these retainers at least nightly or as directed.
If your crossbite is mild, and aligners are designed, it could be possible to see significant corrections in as little as 6 months.
However, for moderate and severe crossbites, particularly in adults, the timeline is often closer to 12–18 months (and sometimes longer).
This is partly because underlying adult bone movement is much slower than in children.
Why choose Partha Dental for crossbite correction
- Personalized treatment plans – In our clinic, we do not endorse one-size-fits-all. You will receive a treatment plan tailored directly for your mouth, your life, and your personal aesthetic goals.
- Latest technology & comfort – Digital scans, intraoral cameras, sophisticated aligner systems, and smooth appointments, all include as part of your individual visits.
- Transparent pricing – We will discuss the cost of crossbite treatment upfront. There will be no surprise fees during the appointment.
- Fun, caring team – We believe dentistry can be fun (not stressful) – you can expect humor, comfort, and true care.
- Strong support – We are with you through the process of your crossbite treatment from beginning to retaining.
At Partha Dental, we consider your smile to be your brand. Let us help you make your teeth behave. Call us now– 04041420000 to schedule a consult, get scanned, and we can work together to meet your goals with your crossbite treatment with transparency, some humor, and great results.
FAQS
A: No. Adults can have their crossbites treated, but it is true that older bone may move more slowly. But there is no “too old” for a healthier bite.
A: You may experience pressure, discomfort, and sensitivity – especially with the new trays or when the wires are tightened. It won’t be very painful. Just a moderate discomfort like when someone pushes down on your arm from the couch, and is sore from the task the next day.
A: We will take x-rays of your jaw, look at jaw position and your bite. A crossbite is skeletal if the jaw bone is aligned improperly. If only the teeth are aligned improperly, that is dental. Many adults have a little of both skeletal and dental alignment issues.
A: You will probably be able to get invisalign, but it also depends on how severe your crossbite is. Some crossbites will require fixed braces or some hybrid of braces or invisalign. We will advise you as to what is safe and effective for you and what is comfortable for you.
A: That varies by provider and policy. Some plans cover some orthodontics. Many clinics also have EMI, payment plans, or discounts. At Partha Dental, we will help you access payment options that are affordable.
A: In the long run, you also risk of uneven wear, cracked teeth, jaw pain, gum recession, tooth mobility, and headaches – with worst case scenario of irreversible damage to teeth or bone.
A: More or less, yes. The final retainer phase is meant to help with preventing relapse. People often end up wearing it at night only, or a few nights a week – but retention is ultimately very important
Dental Questions? We’re here to help!
Disclaimer:
The prices mentioned in this blog are indicative and may vary based on the severity of the condition, technology used, and materials suggested by the Dentist. They are accurate as of the date of publishing and subject to change as per clinic policy. Third-party or AI-generated estimates may not reflect actual clinic pricing. For accurate costs, please visit your nearest Partha Dental clinic.
