Crossbite is a condition in which a person’s teeth are severely misaligned. One of the most common signs that you might have this dental condition is when you close your mouth and your upper teeth fit right behind your lower teeth. This may seem like a small issue, but when it goes untreated, a crossbite can lead to more dental problems.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about crossbite and all the possible crossbite treatments you may want to check out.
What is a Crossbite?
A crossbite is a type of teeth misalignment that happens when your upper and lower teeth don’t align as they should. When some of your bottom teeth fit in front of your upper teeth every time you close your jaw, this can be a sign that you have a crossbite.
Not to be confused with an underbite, a crossbite is entirely different and requires different dental treatment. When you have a crossbite, some of your teeth will jut out slightly forward, but your jaw will remain unaffected. Underbites, on the other hand, occur when your lower jaw does not align correctly with your upper jaw. Underbites are a much more serious condition.
Types of Crossbites
There are two main types of crossbites, namely:
- Anterior Crossbite: This type of crossbite is the misalignment of the top incisors and canines with the lower teeth. This condition happens when some, or even all of the top incisors and canines fit behind the lower teeth.
- Posterior Crossbite: Posterior crossbites involve the back teeth and molars. In this condition, the back upper teeth fit right behind the back lower teeth.
What Causes a Crossbite?
There are many factors that contribute to having a crossbite. Here are the most common causes:
- Genetics: The majority of people who have crossbites are born with a lower jaw that is slightly larger than their upper jaw. This is because narrow palates can be passed down genetically, which leads to crossbite when the teeth start growing.
- Breathing Through the Mouth: When a person breathes predominantly through their mouth, whether they are awake or asleep, it may lead to teeth misalignment.
- Childhood Habits: If a child grows up with bad oral habits, it may alter the growth of their jaw. These childhood habits include thumb sucking, poor chewing habits, and excessive use of their pacifier.
Complications of Untreated Crossbites
When a crossbite is not treated, it may lead to other issues such as:
- Cracks and chips in the teeth
- Heightened risk of cavity build-up that might lead to gum diseases
- Painful biting and chewing
- Headaches
- Extreme toothaches
Ways to Fix Crossbite
If a person develops a crossbite that is not treated in their early childhood, it may lead to bigger dental issues in their adult years. If you are wondering how to fix a crossbite, here are the possible crossbite treatments for you:
- Invisalign: Clear aligners, also known as Invisalign, is one of the most common treatments for crossbites. This treatment can cover the biting surfaces of the upper and lower teeth, allowing the teeth not to overlap and move comfortably.
- Braces: Being fitted with braces can help a lot with tooth alignment. Braces can successfully move your teeth into perfect position without any additional dental treatments.
- Rapid Palatal Expander: This treatment is used when the patient has severe crossbite. It is a dental expansion procedure that mixes the advantage of braces and Invisalign. Rapid palatal expanders will broaden the dental arches that are too narrow and correct the misalignment.
- Reverse-Pull Headgear: This crossbite treatment involves the use of pads that attach the patient’s forehead to their chin with the use of a face mask. Reverse-pull headgear can easily shift the upper jaw of a person with crossbite and align it with the lower jaw.
- Jaw Surgery: For the most severe crossbite cases, dentists will recommend jaw surgery. This can also relieve underbites and sleep apnea. During the whole procedure, your jaw will be strategically moved and aligned perfectly.
How Long Does It Take to Fix a Crossbite?
The duration of crossbite treatments depends on the severity of the situation. If the condition requires dental braces, it might take about 6 months to more than a year to correct. For mild cases, however, it may take a maximum of 8 months. If you undergo jaw surgery, it might take longer for your recovery.
If you are looking for the best dentist in South Pasadena, FL, Century Dental offers different procedures and dental treatments that can help with crossbite and many other dental issues. Visit our website to know more about our services and contact us now!
