Self-pay (non-insured)
Invisalign clear aligner treatment — anterior crossbite
Anterior crossbite — the upper front teeth closed behind the lower front teeth.
Treatment, cost and duration
- Patient profile
- Female, 40s
- Diagnosis
- Anterior crossbite — the upper front teeth closed behind the lower front teeth.
- Treatment
- Invisalign Full Package (unlimited aligners) clear aligner orthodontic treatment to correct the anterior crossbite, with monthly observation and adjustment visits.
- Material
- Invisalign clear aligners (Full Package — unlimited aligners)
- Period
- Approx. 2 years
- Visits
- 12 visits
- Cost
- Self-pay total ¥965,000 (incl. tax). Breakdown: ¥899,000 Invisalign Full Package (unlimited aligners) + monthly observation & adjustment ¥5,500 × 12 visits (¥66,000).
Main risks & side effects
- Discomfort or mild pain may occur when wearing new aligners.
- Results depend on patient compliance — aligners must be worn for the recommended number of hours each day.
- Tooth movement may not proceed as planned in some cases; additional treatment or refinement aligners may be required.
- Temporary changes in speech may occur initially.
- Retainers are necessary after treatment to maintain the result.
- This is an elective, privately billed (self-pay) treatment, not covered by Japanese national health insurance.
Self-pay (non-insured) treatment. Individual results vary. Published with the patient's written consent.
Invisalign clear aligners — digital planning, fewer visits
A digital treatment plan
Treatment starts with an intraoral scan — no putty impressions. From the scan, a digital plan maps each stage of tooth movement from the starting position to the planned result, and you can usually see a preview of the projected outcome before you commit.
A series of custom, near-invisible aligners is then produced. Each one moves the teeth a small, planned amount; you progress through the series, changing aligners roughly every week or two, until the teeth reach the planned position.
Fewer in-person visits & remote monitoring
Because the whole sequence is planned up front and progress can be reviewed remotely — for example with photos through a monitoring app — the number of in-person visits is often reduced compared with traditional braces, which need regular chairside adjustments.
That is especially convenient for international and expatriate patients. You can begin treatment in Tokyo and coordinate much of the follow-up around your travel, or with a local dentist, rather than returning frequently for in-person checks.
- The full movement sequence is planned before you start
- Progress can be reviewed remotely between in-person checks
- Useful for visitors and expats coordinating care around travel
Living with aligners
Aligners are worn about 20–22 hours a day and removed only for meals and brushing — so there are no food restrictions and cleaning your teeth stays simple. The discipline of wearing them enough hours each day is the single biggest factor in staying on plan.
Small tooth-coloured attachments may be bonded to certain teeth to help the aligners grip and produce specific movements. They are discreet and removed at the end of treatment. Most people adapt to speaking with aligners within a few days.
Retention — keeping the result
Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their old positions, so a retainer is needed after active treatment to hold the result. Wearing the retainer as advised is what makes the new alignment last.
We explain the retention plan up front, so the result you work for is protected once the aligners are done.
Aligners vs traditional braces
Clear aligners are removable and discreet, which suits adults and many everyday situations; traditional fixed braces remain a strong choice for certain complex movements. Neither is universally 'better' — the right approach depends on the case.
Suitability for clear aligners is assessed at consultation, and we will say honestly if fixed braces would serve a particular movement better.
General information; individual results vary and depend on compliance with wear time. Suitability is assessed at consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do Invisalign mostly from abroad?
Often partly — the plan is made up front and progress can be reviewed remotely, with periodic in-person checks. Many international patients coordinate milestone visits with a local dentist.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on the case — from a few months for minor alignment to longer for complex movement. Wearing the aligners the recommended 20–22 hours each day is the biggest factor.
Are the aligners noticeable?
They are near-invisible clear trays, which is a major reason adults choose them. Small tooth-coloured attachments may be added to some teeth but are designed to be discreet.
Can I eat normally?
Yes — you remove the aligners to eat and drink (anything except water), so there are no food restrictions. You brush and then put them back in; keeping to the daily wear time is what matters.
Do I need a retainer afterward?
Yes. Teeth can relapse without retention, so a retainer is used after treatment to hold the result. We explain the retention plan up front.
Aligners or braces — which is better?
Neither universally. Aligners are removable and discreet and suit many adult cases; fixed braces can be better for certain complex movements. We assess suitability at consultation and advise honestly.
Next step
Have a similar concern?
Book a free online consultation and our English-speaking team will outline a treatment plan and a clear written estimate for your case.
