Obviously, a good bite is important when eating, but did you know that how your upper and lower teeth fit together (a.k.a. your “bite”) can also impact how you speak, sleep, and breathe? Plus, it will inevitably influence your smile, which can affect your appearance, your self-confidence, and more! Clearly, your bite is important. But unfortunately, many people suffer from malocclusions. You’ve likely heard of underbites and overbites, but what is a crossbite?
Understanding Crossbites
What is a crossbite? It’s a type of malocclusion in which some upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth when the jaw is closed, and some do not. Sometimes it affects the front teeth (also known as an anterior crossbite), sometimes it affects the back teeth (a posterior crossbite), and sometimes it affects both. If you suspect that you have a crossbite, visit a dentist or orthodontist for a diagnosis.
What Causes Crossbites?
As with many other types of malocclusions, a variety of factors can cause crossbites:
- Genetics: You inherit a lot from your parents, including certain aspects of your dental health. Dental misalignments and malocclusions may run in the family.
- Abnormal Tooth Eruption: If a tooth erupts in an incorrect position or is blocked by adjacent teeth, a crossbite may occur.
- Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Use: While these behaviors are common in infancy, if they become prolonged habits, they can place extra pressure on the teeth and jaw, which can lead to misalignment issues. Other childhood habits that can cause malocclusions include tongue thrusting and mouth breathing.
- Jaw Size or Shape: Differences in the size or shape of the upper and lower jaws can cause a mismatched bite. Sometimes this happens due to developmental abnormalities or jaw injuries.
- Early Loss of Baby Teeth: If the baby teeth are lost prematurely, the alignment of permanent teeth may be disrupted.
What Problems Can a Crossbite Cause?
If you have a crossbite, you should promptly schedule an appointment with a dentist or orthodontist. Malocclusions like crossbites can cause numerous issues if left untreated:
- Uneven tooth wear
- Chipping or fracturing of the teeth
- Increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay
- TMJ issues
- Difficulty biting and chewing
- Issues with speech
- Facial asymmetry
- Low self-esteem
What Is the Recommended Treatment for Crossbites?
Treatment for crossbite may depend on the severity of the malocclusion, the patient’s age, and the cause. The most common treatment options are clear aligners (like Invisalign) and traditional metal braces, which use pressure to gradually shift the teeth into alignment. Once the teeth are properly aligned, retainers are typically prescribed to maintain the position of the teeth and prevent future alignment issues.
Other treatment possibilities include the following:
- Palatal expanders (to create more space for the teeth)
- Tooth extraction (also to create more space for the teeth)
- Habit modification (if the issue was caused by thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting)
- Jaw surgery (in rare cases in which skeletal discrepancies or jaw misalignment contributed to the crossbite)
Every case is different, which is why it’s important that you visit a qualified dental professional to learn about the specific treatment approach needed to address your unique crossbite.
At Keen Smiles Family Dental, we offer Invisalign, which is a great option for treating many types of malocclusions, including crossbites. So, if you’re looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist near Springfield, Missouri, contact Keen Smiles Family Dental today. Dr. Wilkinson and his team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. For exceptional and comprehensive dental care, schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!
