A neatly aligned jaw where the upper and lower teeth fit together properly indicates good oral health. However, many people overlook issues like misaligned teeth, especially in their children during their teenage years. This problem, which might seem minor at first, can have a significant impact on a person’s overall appearance and oral health. What seems normal may actually be a condition known as crossbite.
Through this article, Elite Dental Group aims to help people understand crossbite, its effects, causes, treatment options, and how to correct it.
Crossbite: Let’s Understand This
A crossbite, also known as dental malocclusion, occurs when your upper teeth fit behind your lower teeth. If, when you close your mouth, you feel your lower teeth more than your upper teeth, you may have a crossbite. A person with this condition has an improper alignment of the jaw and teeth, with the lower teeth covering the upper teeth. It’s important to note that approximately 22% of the population deals with this issue, so you’re not alone.
Crossbites are classified into two categories:
- Anterior Crossbite: Where the bottom front teeth fit over the top front teeth.
- Posterior Crossbite: Where the back teeth fit over the top teeth.
Both types significantly impact the structure and shape of the mouth.
Causes of Crossbite
A crossbite is typically caused by skeletal or dental issues, or a combination of both. Below are some potential causes:
- Drift of teeth due to early baby tooth loss
- Small jaw where teeth cannot fit properly
- Cleft palate
- Missing teeth
- Baby teeth that haven’t fallen out
- Cleft lip
- Tongue thrusting while swallowing
- Thumb sucking or pacifier use, which pushes teeth out of alignment
- Mouth breathing
Why is Crossbite Harmful?
If left untreated, crossbite can cause significant damage to your jaw and teeth. Over time, it can lead to:
- Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
- Cavities
- Gum and periodontal disease
- Tooth loss
- Bacteria buildup
- Severe headaches, jaw aches, and toothaches
- Difficulty closing your mouth
- Poor sleep quality
- Bad breath
- Speech impediments, such as lisping
- Pain while chewing or biting
- Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene, as food and bacteria get trapped between misaligned teeth
- Jaw joint and muscle pain
Treatment for Crossbite
Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options available to correct a crossbite:
- Palatal Expander: This device is attached to the upper teeth and sits against the roof of the mouth. It gradually widens the upper jaw, treating issues like crossbite, crooked teeth, misalignment, and overcrowding. Depending on the condition, it may need to be worn for a few weeks to a year.
- Braces: Braces are orthodontic tools that apply pressure to move the teeth and bones into their correct positions. While the wearer may initially experience some difficulty speaking or closing their mouth, braces are one of the most common and effective treatments for crossbite.
- Clear Aligners: Made of eco-friendly plastic, clear aligners are removable braces that fix teeth misalignment. They are translucent, comfortable, and discreet, slowly shifting the teeth into their proper position.
- Fixed Palatal Crib: This semi-circular metal appliance is attached to the upper teeth, mainly prescribed for children aged 2 to 4. It helps prevent thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting behaviors that could result in crossbite.
- Myofunctional Therapy: This type of therapy involves learning how to use your tongue and teeth correctly. The therapy includes exercises for chewing, swallowing, facial postures, and tongue thrusting.
- Surgical Procedures: In some cases, surgery may be necessary. This could involve jaw surgery to correct the skeletal crossbite, or surgical expanders to gradually move the upper palate.
During orthodontic treatment, some discomfort is common as the teeth are moved into their proper places. It’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly to prevent issues like plaque buildup and trapped food.
Conclusion
If crossbite is left untreated, it can become a significant issue. Rather than waiting until the pain becomes unbearable, it’s better to address the problem early. No matter the severity of the issue, there is a solution. Elite Dental Group specializes in correcting dental problems and providing patients with the best possible smile. Contact us today to learn more about your oral health and treatment options.