A crossbite is a type of malocclusion, or bite misalignment, where upper teeth fit inside of the lower teeth. This misalignment can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth and may involve the front teeth, back teeth, or both. With this condition, the top teeth and bottom teeth do not come together or “bite” in the correct position. Visually speaking, it can look similar to an underbite, however, they are not the same. An underbite means that your entire lower jaw sites outside of your upper teeth, while a crossbite affects only certain teeth.
What causes a crossbite?
It usually develops during childhood and can be the result of:
- Genetics
- Delayed loss of baby teeth
- Abnormal eruption of permanent teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Finger sucking
- Sucking on a pacifier
They will not resolve themselves and will only go away with proper orthodontic treatment. While most people consider it to be a cosmetic problem, it affects more than just the look of your smile.
Why does it need to be fixed?
A crossbite may reveal an underlying jaw problem best addressed at a young age while the face and jaws are still developing. They can cause:
- Jaw shift to one side
- Uneven jaw growth
- Wearing down of enamel
- Narrow upper jaw and palate, which can cause bite and breathing issues
- Tooth chipping or gum problems if untreated
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)
- Tooth decay
- Sleep apnea
- Trouble speaking properly
- Headaches
- Pain in the neck and shoulder
The more severe the condition, the more likely you are to develop these symptoms with varying levels of severity. As such, many orthodontists recommend having it treated to prevent these future problems and enhance the look of your smile.
Treatment
Treatment will be based upon the type and severity of your crossbite, but most cases require the use of multiple orthodontic appliances. Depending on the scope of the crossbite, treatment may involve the use of a palatal expander. A palatal expander is a fixed or removable orthodontic appliance used to make the upper jaw wider. Sometimes it can be corrected using only braces or Invisalign treatment. In rare cases, crossbites are so severe that jaw surgery may be needed.
A trained, board certified orthodontic specialist has the expertise to determine the treatment best for you. Contact Joosse Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation. Dr. Joosse will provide advice on treatment and the next steps for a straighter, healthier smile. Call us at 757-229-4181 or visit us online to request your complimentary consultation today.
