Crossbite

All you need to Know About Crossbite

Generally, when parents take their child to the dentist or orthodontist, the least discussion they are expecting to have is issues concerning braces and any other orthodontic appliances. Regardless, even at the least expected age, matters relating to braces, retainers, expanders and other orthodontic appliances are usually discussed when a child is diagnosed with a crossbite.

A crossbite is a type of dental misalignment whereby the upper and lower teeth barely stay connected in the ideal position when you chew or bite. When dentists or orthodontists spot a crossbite at an early stage, they recommend that they get treated almost immediately because if left untreated, the condition can lead to other dental conditions.

Depending on the type of crossbite and how severe the condition is, your dentist will recommend a suitable treatment option that fits your condition. Keep reading to find out more information about crossbite

What Is Crossbite?

A crossbite is often confused with an underbite, but they are entirely different. A crossbite occurs when the top teeth sit inside the bottom teeth, or when the upper back teeth overhangs too far from the upper teeth. This dental condition is usually as a result of genetic factors like overcrowded teeth.

Sometimes, some behavioural factors or conditions can lead to a crossbite. Some of these behavioural factors may include thumb sucking and tongue thrusting. Crossbite can occur in different ways, and because of this, they are often given different terms. We will be exploring all these as we proceed.

Types Of Crossbite

There are various ways to classify a crossbite, and they are generally dependent on the number of teeth affected, their position, and how severe the condition is. Here is a quick overview of the various terms used in describing a crossbite:

Posterior crossbite

The causes of posterior crossbite are similar to those that affect the front teeth. A posterior overbite may occur if the milk teeth of the affected patient fall out late, and the adult teeth keep reappearing in the wrong position and order. If noticed early, they are usually simple to treat when compared to other types of crossbite

Anterior crossbite:

An anterior crossbite is sometimes referred to as an underbite. They are known to have a specific effect on the front teeth. There are various causes of anterior bites; some of them include:

  • Overcrowded teeth: occurs when your teeth are crowded on your bottom jaw, such that it makes the teeth protrude forward than expected.
  • Thumb-sucking: sometimes, excess sucking of a thumb puts pressure on the roof of the mouth, thereby pushing it up so that it becomes narrow instead of having a wide appearance
  • Cleft lip surgery: repairs done to cleft lips can lead to defects that affect the development of the upper teeth.
  • Mouth breathing: mouth breathing as a child can also lead to anterior overbite as it prevents the tongue from resting at the top of the mouth.

Anterior Crossbites are quite noticeable when compared to a posterior crossbite, causing the jaw to look uneven.

Buccal crossbite

The buccal part of the mouth is the part of the mouth exactly next to your cheek. You may have a buccal crossbite if your tongue can feel the biting surface of your inner teeth when your mouths are entirely closed.

Lingual crossbite

A lingual crossbite is completely different from a buccal crossbite. Here, the teeth sit far in; but this time, towards the tongue.

Bilateral and unilateral crossbite

A bilateral crossbite occurs when both sides of the mouth are affected by the crossbite, while a unilateral crossbite occurs on one side of the mouth. Your dentist may follow the same treatment procedure. However, the tactics and strategy used for each treatment may vary slightly

Single tooth and segmental crossbite

Just like the name implies, a single tooth crossbite affects one tooth, while a segmental crossbite may affect some of the teeth but not all. For a single tooth, crossbite occurs when a bottom tooth sticks forward abruptly than normal.

If you are not sure of your type of crossbite, you can reach out to our dentist on Harley street London today, and they will help diagnose your type of teeth misalignment and proffer the necessary treatment option.

Crossbite Treatment Option

While crossbites may come in various forms, their treatment processes are almost similar. However, the best time to treat a crossbite is during the early age of child growth, when teeth and bones are much easier to move because they are not yet fused into place.

Regardless, the following are a few ways to treat a crossbite

  • Braces: Braces are not only common but an effective way to handle both anterior and posterior crossbites. Your dentists or orthodontists will walk you through the various type of braces, depending on the severity of your dental condition, and of course your choice of braces.
  • Palate expander: Palate expander is the most common treatment for a crossbite. It helps to widen the upper jaw so that the upper teeth sits almost perfectly on the lower teeth. To ensure that treatment is effective, it needs to be expanded routinely, while it slightly pushes the teeth apart until they are properly positioned. After this process, the teeth may be straightened using fixed braces. Once the treatments have been completed, retainers will be used to keep the teeth in its new position.
  • Elastics for correcting crossbite: Crossbite elastics can be used to correct the posterior crossbite. To correct this crossbite, your dentist will need to fix a hook to the interior part of the top teeth and the outer part of the lower teeth, while using an elastic band to create a connection between them. The essence of this process is to pull the back tooth outwards so that it sits over the lower tooth as it should.
  • Jaw realignment surgery: Jaw realignment surgery is often utilised for more severe crossbite cases. The treatment proceeds with the removal of wisdom teeth, for patients with any. The importance of this process is because the surgery can only take place at the back of the mouth. In jaw realignment surgery, the jaw of the patient is broken, while they are repositioned afterwards. Once these processes have been completed, the surgeon will add screws and plates to keep the jaw in place. There are usually no visible scarring because the cuts are only done inside your mouth

You can reach out to us at The Harley Street Dentist so that our expert dentist can help diagnose the dental misalignment and suggest a suitable treatment option.

Crossbite surgery recovery process

Every crossbite recovery process will take three stages; this includes the following:

  • Liquid diet: after the surgery, a liquid diet will be required for the first three days
  • Healing stage: after observing the diet, the healing process of the patient begins and elapse after six weeks
  • Full/final recovery: this stage will normally take around 12 weeks for a full recovery, and crossbite braces will be worn for 4-6 months after this process

Crossbite Correction Without Fixed Braces

Not everyone likes the idea of fixed braces like the traditional metal braces. Fortunately, there are few alternatives to conventional fixed braces. Some of these alternatives are invisible aligner braces like Invisalign.

How Invisalign can fix your crossbite

Invisalign aligners are effective for patients with a moderate crossbite. An indisputable benefit of Invisalign is the fact that they are barely noticeable. Asides from its aesthetic benefit, they can be easily removed but must be worn for at least 22 hours a day

Can a dentist or surgeon correct crossbites in adults as well?

There are usually no limitations regarding crossbites correction in adults. Simply put, it is never too late to get your teeth straightened and positioned. However, most adults can opt for braces, elastics and surgery, depending on how severe the issue at hand is

What happens if you don’t fix your crossbite?

Although, dental professionals may disagree on what treatment option is best for some certain crossbite conditions, and even the ideal age or period to commence treatment. But here is one sure thing, treatment must happen. The reason is that crossbite can lead to severe complications if adequate actions are not taken. Some of these complications may include

  • Teeth may wear down unevenly
  • TMD disorder
  • Pains in the jaw and neck.
  • Gum damage
  • Teeth and cheek pain
  • Facial asymmetry
  • Problems in the jaw, neck and shoulders

Conclusion

Crossbite is just like every other dental misalignment. The whole process may sound complicated, but fixing your crossbite on time will save you loads of stress in the future. Make sure you speak to your dentists regarding the ideal treatment option for your crossbite, when to start, and the necessary precaution that needs to be taken before and after treatment.

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