Crossbite Correction: About, Effect, Treatment

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What Is A Crossbite?

A crossbite is another form of malocclusion. This happens when the upper teeth are not aligned with your lower teeth.

Crossbites are usually related to your genetics.

However, side effects can also develop because of thumb sucking, or teeth emerging abnormally.

Crossbite poses a real challenge for patients to chew evenly and correctly.

This patient was only able to chew on his left side because he had a complete crossbite on the right side.   

When one of the jaws is not in shape with the other one, teeth will not touch as ideally and they will be positioned more outward or inward.

Crossbite will affect greatly how we chew and sometimes also how we look and talk.

It is important to get it corrected to have a healthy confident smile. 

There Are Two Types of Crossbites:

Anterior Crossbite 

Anterior Crossbite happens when the top front teeth are sitting behind your lower front teeth.

This can seem to be an underbite but it has slight differences.

Posterior Crossbite 

A posterior crossbite is the reverse of an anterior crossbite.

In this case, the upper teeth sit in front of your lower front teeth.

What Is The Best Time To Correct Crossbite?

A crossbite can become noticeable in even the first years of the child's teeth development.

Often times the malocclusion will correct itself with no orthodontic work required.

If by age 6-7 this problem has not corrected itself then you should consult an orthodontist.

In general, crossbite treatments are better done sooner than later.

This is especially important in growing kids. Dr. Kanaan can change the shape of the jaw while the child is growing.

What complications are caused by crooked teeth or malocclusions?

Treatment options vary for each dentist.

However, all dental experts agree that a crossbite should be corrected to avoid other dental problems.

Complications caused by crooked teeth and misaligned bites include:

• TMJ Disorder ( Pain in the Jaw, cracking, or popping).
• Trouble with chewing or speaking.
• Difficulty in keeping teeth clean increasing the risk of cavities and tooth decay.
• Problems with facial asymmetry.

How is a crossbite treated?

It is important to have a dental professional determine the best treatment option.

In addition to braces, crossbite might require the usage of special appliances to correct the situation.

If the crossbite involves the >molars or back teeth, a palatal expander might be needed.

If the crossbite involves the front teeth, a face mask might be needed.

Dr. Kanaan will determine what application and treatment plan is needed based on his thorough exam.

In extreme cases, these appliances might not be enough to correct a crossbite, and jaw surgery might be needed to place the jaw in its ideal position.

What do I need to do during my crossbite correction?

As with any orthodontic treatment, dental hygiene is one of the most important factors.

Brushing your teeth and flossing regularly will help to minimize the number of bacteria that builds up in the braces or appliances that are used to correct your crossbite.