Health

Navigating Crossbite Treatment: Options and Outcomes

A crossbite is a type of dental malocclusion that affects the way your teeth are aligned. Here the upper teeth fit behind your lower teeth when your mouth is closed or at rest. A crossbite can cause complications and painful symptoms. However, it is possible to correct it with treatment by a dental professional. One of the common and popular dental treatments for crossbite is the Invisalign clear braces in Hollywood, FL

This article will cover everything about crossbite and how to treat it. 

What is a crossbite?

A crossbite happens if your teeth do not line up properly when your mouth is closed. It may affect a single tooth or a group of teeth, like your front and back teeth

There are two types of crossbite, namely:

  • Posterior crossbite 

    • Here your upper back teeth sit inside your bottom teeth 
  • Anterior crossbite 

    • Here one or some of your upper front teeth sit behind your lower front teeth. 

What causes a crossbite?

There are skeletal and dental causes of crossbite. 

    • Genetics 

      • Skeletal and dental issues may be genetic.
      • If someone in your family suffers from crossbite, it is likely that you or your child may develop the condition. 
      • A small jaw or too big teeth may also contribute to crossbite. 
  • Circumstantial factors 

    • If your baby teeth do not exfoliate during the primary years or if the adult teeth are delayed in eruption you may develop a crossbite. 
    • Habits like mouth breathing and thumb sucking during childhood can also contribute to crossbite. 

What are crossbite symptoms?

The main symptom of a crossbite is teeth that don’t line up. Some of the other symptoms may include:

  • Loose teeth
  • Gum recession 
  • Tooth wear
  • Enamel breakdown 
  • Cavities 
  • Uneven jaw growth 
  • Unbalanced facial features 
  • TMJ disorders 
  • Tooth decay
  • Jaw pain
  • Frequent headaches 

How can a crossbite be corrected?

Early treatment for crossbite is crucial to stop jaw and dental problems. It is best treated in childhood when the bones and jaw are still growing. However, even adults can get their crossbite treated. 

Crossbite treatment options include:

  • Palatal expander

    • This appliance is attached to your upper teeth and sits on the roof of the mouth.
    • It is adjusted periodically to widen the palate and jaw slowly 
  • Braces 

    • These traditional metal braces exert pressure on the teeth to move them in the correct position 
  • Removable appliances 

    • These appliances come with a spring that puts pressure on your tooth and moves it forward while the appliance keeps your other teeth in place. 
  • Clear aligners 

    • These are clear plastic trays that help move the teeth to the desired position gradually. 

Conclusion 

A crossbite is a common alignment problem that may lead to other complications if left untreated. If you think you or your child have a crossbite problem, make an appointment with your dentist or orthodontist for a diagnosis and to plan your next steps.