Help! Crossbite Decision

[sun.invisalign]

Hi, I will be starting my invisalign treatment in January 2010. We just went over my clincheck today and everything looks fine. EXCEPT I have a crossbite with my 2 inside molars and the original invisalign treatment would not fix that. My orthodontist said it was up to me wether i wanted to get new aligners after that to fix my crossbite. But before today I didn't even realize i had a crossbite! I always just chewed on the other side and didn't really notice anything different. So I don't know if I should fix this or not because it doesn't seem to bother me now. Also the ortho said if i wanted to fix it they would have to take new impressions and when taking the impressions they would have to take off some of my gums beside the two teeth? That sounds painful.

So should I fix my molar overbite or is it just a waste of time?

Thanks very much!

[Stephanie]

First of all, Welcome

Get started on your blog here ont his site so you can keep track of your treatment.

Here are my thoughts on crossbites. There are millions of people walking around with crossbites that never notice and never have any issues. Just as you have...

However once it is brought to your attention, you want to get it fixed just in case you are one of those people that will have issues later on in your life with chewing, tmj, etc.

I personally wouldn't sweat it and would just move on. But there are ortho's that will push you are to get it fixed.

It really depends on you and if you want to have a so called insurance for later on in life and the perfect bite and smile ...

[Sunny]

Once you're getting through your treatment Sun, you'll probably find you either do or don't care about the crossbite. As Stephanie has written, many people have them and most don't know or care.

Good luck with getting your treatment going!

[EC13]

I ran into this same problem. At my ortho's I told him I was interested in Invisalign, but he told me since I have a minor cross bite (2 teeth in the front), he thought it'd be better for me to get traditional metal braces. So I listened... usually your ortho will know what's best, at least that's what we hope.

[myhollywoodsmile]

I have to confess to being slightly confused about crossbites. Could somebody offer a simple explanation of what exactly it means? Thank you.

[Sunny]

Here's one article that may help ...
Australian Society of Orthodontists

[sun.invisalign]

Thanks Everyone for your welcoming comments. I think I will wait until the end of my treatment then decide for sure.
I can't wait till the aligners arrive!

[MCOMarkhamOrthodontist]

Remember that orthodontic treatment is not simply an aesthetic fix. There are health implications as well. Some crossbites can be left without concern while others should be corrected to avoid future issues. I often encounter situations where patients wish they could have straight teeth, but without the financial or time commitment. Unfortunately, it isn't possible to wave a magic wand and correct everything instantly. After gathering all of the information, you can make an informed decision based upon the facts in combination with your own personal ideals. Best of luck .

[mommamorin]

I have a mean crossbite on my rightside from the canine back. It could not be fixed without surgery and extenders so I just left it and had the rest of the teeth straightened. This really doesnt have any affect in how I chew and cannot be seen when I smile, so what the heck. The smile to me was what was important, not the perfect bite.