May 19, 2023 5 min read
Lingual crossbite, or crossbite, is a word used to describe a malocclusion or misalignment of the teeth. A crossbite specifically happens when your higher teeth enclose your lower teeth. This misalignment may compromise oral health overall and cause discomfort or difficulty chewing. What is a crossbite, the causes, and standard treatments are discussed in this post.
Starting with a bit of Crossbite 101 is the best course of action. A crossbite occurs when one or more lower teeth touch the higher teeth directly or indirectly. The upper teeth should sit just outside the lower ones when your teeth are correctly aligned.
While crossbite is an issue of misalignment between the teeth and their opposing counterparts, an underbite is a condition in which the lower jaw juts forward, causing the lower teeth to overlap with those on top. Though they may often coexist in tandem, crossbite and underbite are distinct dental issues requiring different causes of action for treatment.
There are two types of crossbites: anterior and posterior. The front lower teeth with an anterior crossbite sit in front of the upper teeth when the jaw is relaxed. A posterior crossbite develops when the lower back teeth are outside the upper back teeth when the jaw is at rest.
It is possible to have all of them at once or only one. There's a chance that one or more teeth will go through this.
Several things can cause a crossbite.
GeneticsIf so, an orthodontist might advise using a growth adjustment device. To get ready for orthodontic treatment once the permanent teeth emerge, the device widens a child's upper jaw at a young age.
Prolonged Development Of Permanent Teeth
Over-retained baby teeth cannot come out at the appropriate age. These baby teeth stop the underlying permanent teeth from erupting. Orthodontic treatment could be required to fix a crossbite caused by the eruption of the permanent teeth.
Discover more: 10 Ways To Get Rid Of A Toothache At Night
Children's jaw growth might be affected by sucking habits. Among these habits are:
Find out more about maintaining the dental health of your children.
Physical signs of a crossbite include the following, in addition to the look of teeth misalignment.
A person could occasionally show no symptoms.
The optimal time to treat this kind of malocclusion is when the patient is a youngster or a teen because they are still relatively young. Even though adult patients' restorations take longer to complete than younger patients, treatments are still available.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the dentist must ensure sufficient room for the crossbites to be relocated and that the bite can be opened to allow movement. In addition, the patient must wear an orthodontic device while receiving treatment for the issue.
1. BracesThe majority of cases of crossbite can be treated with braces. Braces can fix a crossbite if only one tooth is involved and no other orthodontic devices are required.
More than one tooth in a crossbite may be present when wearing braces and a dental expansion device or headgear.
2. Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
Orthodontic treatments for crossbites frequently use clear aligners. The most famous and effective brand of clear aligners is Invisalign. All of the upper and lower teeth biting surfaces are covered by aligners. This permits a tooth with a crossbite to move uninhibited by the teeth on each side.
3. Surgical Methods
After the patient wears a unique device, the surgeon intentionally fractures the jaw bones in several locations. As a result, more extensive expansion is possible with jaw surgery than with a palate expander.
Discover more: What Happens When You Don't Brush Your Teeth With Braces
Practicing proper dental hygiene is essential, especially if you have a crossbite. Here are some crucial care tips.
A crossbite can impact dental and general health if it is not fixed. In addition, left untreated can lead to dental problems, TMJ disorders, and asymmetrical facial features.
Numerous factors, including the seriousness of the issue, the type of treatment used, and where it occurred, might affect the cost of corrective treatment for a crossbite. Therefore, it is best to consult a dentist or orthodontist who can design a treatment plan for you and offer a cost estimate based on your needs.
Understanding crossbites and their various characteristics is critical for recognizing the condition and getting appropriate treatment. Ignoring a crossbite can devastate dental health, facial aesthetics, and overall well-being.
To ensure you get the best care possible, consult your dentist to explore available treatments to achieve a healthy, aligned bite. Also, regularly practice good oral hygiene with our dental care system and attend regular dental check-ups to preserve optimal oral health and avoid future issues.
Q: What does a crossbite look like?
A: A crossbite is called a crossbite when the upper and lower teeth are misaligned, and some are inside or outside the opposing arch.
Q: Can a crossbite be fixed?
A: Yes, there are several different ways to treat a crossbite.
Q: Can Invisalign fix crossbite?
A: Depending on the severity and unique dental circumstances, Invisalign can be used to treat some types of crossbites.
Q: Can crossbite cause facial asymmetry?
A: Yes, a severe crossbite can potentially contribute to facial asymmetry.
Q: Can braces fix a crossbite?
Yes, braces are a popular and successful way to treat a crossbite.
Q: Can a crossbite come back?
A: If post-treatment guidelines are followed, and good dental habits are maintained, there is very little chance that a crossbite will reoccur after treatment.
