Indication of clear aligners in the early treatment of anterior crossbite: a case series

Abstract

Introduction: Anterior crossbite (AC) is defined as a reverse sagittal relationship between maxillary and mandibular incisors. According to an evidence-based orthodontic triage, the treatment need of AC is indicated if any occlusal interference is forcing the mandible towards a Class III growth pattern. Removable and fixed appliances have been suggested to correct AC. Objective: The present report aims at presenting the benefits of an alternative therapy for the early treatment of anterior crossbite using clear aligners. Methods: Two cases of anterior crossbite corrected using clear aligners in 8-years-old children are presented. Results: In both cases, AC was successfully corrected within 5 months. At the end of the treatment, overjet and overbite were corrected. No major discomfort or speech impairment was noticed by the parents. Conclusions: Due to the perceived shortcomings of alternative approaches, the use of clear aligners for correcting AC in mixed dentition should be considered as a comfortable and well tolerated appliance for young patients.

Radiographic Assessment of Pediatric Condylar Fractures after Conservative Treatment with Functional Appliances—A Systematic Review

“…Another limitation is related to the effectiveness and predictability of conservative treatment with functional appliances, which is dependent on patients’ compliance, self-motivation, peer and authority influence, quality of life impairment and adaptability, perceived treatment progress, as well as pragmatic and recall issues, which may reduce or decrease the wearing time of the oral appliances [ 43 , 44 ]. Patient recommendations to improve compliance included effective communication, tailoring of prescribed wear duration, physical alteration of the appliance, and use of reminding tools [ 45 , 46 ].…”

Orthodontists’ preferences in the use and timing of appliances for the correction of malocclusions in growing patients

“…Aligners have been gaining wide acceptance among clinicians and patients due to their aesthetic advantages and good therapeutic results not only for adults but for early orthodontic treatment as well. 32,33 Future research in this area is recommended, as the increase in popularity of these appliances has led many clinicians to opt for this treatment.…”

Clear Aligners: Between Evolution and Efficiency—A Scoping Review

“…More recently introduced are “power ridges”, initially introduced only for the “teen” treatments of Invisalign™ and now extended to all treatments in which it is necessary to improve the correction of the torque (>3°) and the vertical control of the axis of the incisors, but also in multiple movements, for example, in a second class second division before extruding [ 17 , 38 ]. Finally, the “bite ramps” are horizontal attachments that are applied to the lingual surface of the upper teeth to correct deep bites and are applied buccally only in cases of cross bite [ 16 , 49 ]. In all cases, the effectiveness of the aligner–attachment–tooth interaction depends a lot on the precision with which the operative protocol used for bonding the attachment itself is performed and on the composite material used [ 46 , 50 ].…”