Does my crossbite warrant braces or just a mouthguard? My doctors can't give me a clear answer. (photos)

Question

I had braces for 3 years. A crossbite developed after removing them. Every dentist I've had since then says this needs to be fixed. I'm now 27 & the crossbite is an issue. I can't bite down/tear off food with my front teeth. The only teeth that touch are towards the back. I have jaw pain, causing migraines. My dentist said braces are the only solution but I had an orthodontist tell me I just need a nightguard. Are braces, like Invisalign, the only way to fix this?

Raj Kumar, BDS, LDSRCS · Answer

as you are having so many bite issues and you have a large open bite the options are do nothing and wear night guard for the symptoms or fixed -fixed braces only.

Andy Shieh, DMD · Answer

Orthodontics is the way to go for your case, either with traditional braces or Invisalign. A nightguard is to just prevent you from clinching at night time. It will not address your unable to eat issue.

Does my crossbite warrant braces or just a mouthguard? My doctors can't give me a clear answer. (photos)

Answers (2)