Case Report: Early treatment of anterior crossbite in young patients using clear aligners

The aim of this paper is to describe the effects of an alternative treatment for anterior single-tooth crossbite in young patients with dental Class I and/or pseudo-Class III malocclusions. Indeed, anterior crossbite malocclusion of one or more teeth, without posterior crossbite association, is a relatively frequent condition in mixed dentition. This type of malocclusion is usually treated with either fixed or removable appliances. Currently, several clinical studies indicate the use of clear aligners as an effective option. Hence, clear appliances in early treatment could be a valid alternative to traditional removable and fixed orthodontic devices.

Eighteen growing patients with dental Class I and/or pseudo-Class III malocclusion, all presenting anterior crossbite, including 11 males and 7 females aged 8.3 to 9.9, had been treated with aligners between 2018 and 2021 in order to solve anterior cross bite of upper central incisors. Selected from the aforementioned sample, two pediatric cases - aged 9 - reporting anterior single-tooth crossbite malocclusion are further described in the Clinical Reports section.

In all treated patients, anterior crossbite was resolved within 12 months of treatment using clear aligners only, as exemplified by the two cases illustrated herein. By the end of clear aligner-based treatment, in all the 18 cases positive cephalometric and dental changes were observed, as well as normalized overjet and overbite and preservation of periodontal tissues.

As confirmed by the results achieved, clear aligner treatment can be considered as a valid approach to rapidly correct anterior crossbite in growing patients, as long as a proper diagnostic procedure and optimal patient compliance level are ensured.