What is a crossbite? Causes, effects, & treatment options

Crossbite is one of many dental misalignments characterized by some upper teeth sitting inside the lower ones instead of slightly overlapping them. This can affect an individual tooth, a few teeth, or even the entire arch. Failure to treat crossbites can produce functional problems, pain in the jaw, and chronic dental complications. Knowledge about the causes, symptoms, and treatments is vital to sustaining dental health. This ultimate guide leads you through everything you need to know about crossbite teeth.

What is a crossbite?

A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth do not properly align with the lower teeth when biting down. By definition, the usual alignment should have the upper teeth slightly overlapping the lower. In a crossbite, some upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth. Misalignment can be anterior (in the front) or posterior (in the back), and sometimes both could occur.

Types of crossbite

There are generally two types of crossbite:

Posterior teeth

This entails a condition wherein the posterior upper teeth occlude inside the lower teeth. The teeth appear somewhat tilted toward the tongue instead of lined and fitting into each other.

Anterior teeth

This pertains to when one or some upper anterior teeth sit behind the lower anterior teeth. This differs from an underbite, which happens when all lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth.

Causes of crossbite

Cross bites result from dental or skeletal issues or a combination of both. This could be due to habits, delayed tooth eruption, bone structure problems, obstructed airways, or genetic factors.

Factors that may specifically produce a crossbite include:

• Pacifier, finger, or thumb sucking that pushes teeth

• Tongue thrusting while swallowing

• Missing teeth cause adjacent teeth to drift

• Baby teeth that don't fall out

• The lower jaw is too small to accommodate all teeth

• Teeth too big to fit well for proper alignment

• Cleft palate

• Cleft lip

• Breathing through your mouth

Symptoms and effects of crossbite

A crossbite must be corrected as it causes discomfort and long-term serious dental problems.

Symptoms of crossbite

When left uncorrected, cross bites can lead to soreness in the jaw and other long-term tooth issues.

Long-term effects

TMJ disorders: Jaw pain that appears to be chronic, along with clicking or grinding.

Gum disease: Cleaning gets difficult for misaligned teeth and enhances plaque build-up.

Facial asymmetry: The uneven jaw growth affects the facial structure.

Tooth damage: Chipping, cracking, or excessive wearing away.

Diagnosis of crossbite

Initial clinical examination

• The dentist will check the profile of the patient's teeth.

• The upper teeth sink inside the lower teeth.

• The bite test will tell how the upper jaw meets with the lower.

Dental X-rays for detailed analysis

• A panoramic X-ray shows the complete structure of teeth and jawbones.

• Periapical X-rays focus on individual tooth roots.

• Cephalometric X-rays give the jaw position and growth patterns.

Advanced 3D imaging (CBCT scans)

• Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) gives jaw models in three dimensions.

• Bone disorders and hidden teeth issues can be discovered using these images.

• Such a scan aids in precise orthodontic treatment planning.

Dental impressions and study models

• The impression captures accurate positions of teeth for analysis.

• They make plaster models for better evaluation, simulating how misaligned bites will appear.

• These models help customize braces or expanders.

Functional jaw movement tests

• The dentist checks for jaw clicking or locking.

• Chewing patterns reveal misalignment-related strain.

• TMJ evaluation ensures that no joint dysfunction exists.

Photographic documentation

• Facial and intraoral photos track alignment changes.

• This will also entail pre- and post-treatment scale comparisons.

• Photos also aid in surgical planning if needed.

Digital bite analysis (T-scan technology)

• The T-Scan records bite force distribution using a digital sensor.

• It identifies uneven pressure points from misalignment.

• The information helps precise correction strategies.

How to fix crossbite?

The following are the treatment options for crossbite:

Orthodontic braces

Traditional braces gradually realign teeth over 12-36 months. They apply constant pressure to correct misaligned bites effectively.

Clear aligners

They are removable and nearly invisible. They provide teeth correction for patients with mild and moderate cases. They should be worn for 20-22 hours a day for optimal results. They are ideal for adults and teens.

Are you eligible for crossbite correction?

Caspersmile's clear aligners effectively treat mild to moderate crossbite cases. Take our free assessment to see if you're a candidate.

Check your eligibility today!

Palatal expanders

It is a dental device that expands the narrow upper jaws in growing children. The treatment lasts mostly between 6 and 12 months during the growing phases. When used early, expanders create a space without extraction.

Reverse pull headgear

This dental appliance aids in promoting upper jaw growth in children. The patient wears it for 12-14 hours daily for about 12-18 months. With this early intervention, the chances of severe skeletal problems later have been lowered.

Tooth extraction

Removal creates space for severely crowded teeth. This approach is applied when necessary. The braces align the remaining teeth properly.

Dental contouring

Small rearrangements are designed to correct individual teeth with crossbites in the fastest and most gentle way. Primarily safeguarding the tooth's natural structure, it is most effective for mild cases.

Orthognathic surgery

For adults with critical jaw discrepancies, crossbite surgery is necessary. It's combined with braces for complete correction. Recovery takes 6-12 weeks before final adjustments.

Preventing crossbite in children

Reducing the risk of crossbite development through intervention is achievable.

Break harmful oral habits

Regular dental check-ups

Early orthodontic evaluation

Caspersmile clear aligners for crossbite

Caspersmile provides clear aligners that are discreet and comfortable for crossbite correction. These aligners function as removable trays, shifting teeth gradually into their desired position. Unlike metal braces, they are nearly invisible during treatment.

Fix your crossbite with ease.

Align your teeth comfortably and effectively with Caspersmile's top-quality clear aligners for a healthier, more confident smile.

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Caspersmile advantage

Who's a good candidate?

Recap

Caspersmile clear aligners offer an innovative method for crossbite correction. Clear aligners are removable and comfortable and, therefore, provide seamless and discreet treatment. Most suited for mild to moderate cases, they provide an affordable treatment option. Get a confident smile with Caspersmile clear aligners!

FAQs

How does a crossbite affect you? +

Crossbites cause chewing issues, jaw pain, and even abnormal tooth wearing.

What are the effects of anterior crossbite? +

Anterior crossbites mean that the teeth in the front of your mouth wear faster and might create some speech problems.

What happens if a crossbite is left untreated? +

If crossbites are not treated, they progressively worsen jaw misalignment and result in frequent headache occurrences.

Is it worth fixing a crossbite? +

Yes! It significantly improves function, prevents damage, and enhances confidence.

How long does crossbite treatment take? +

Typically, it takes about 6-24 months, depending on the severity of the case and treatment.

What's the most comfortable treatment option? +

Caspersmile clear aligners work wonders and are an effective and discreet treatment.

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