fixing crossbite teeth
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find your smile
...to this
What is a crossbite?
If some of your upper teeth are sitting behind or inside your lower teeth, that’s referred to as a Crossbite.
Are there different types of Crossbite?
Yes, depending on which of the upper teeth are sitting in the wrong place.
A Posterior Crossbite occurs when the back upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth.
An Anterior Crossbite occurs when the front upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth.
A Bilateral Crossbite occurs when the upper teeth on both sides are sitting inside the lower teeth, whereas if it’s only on one side it’s called a Unilateral Crossbite.
What causes a Crossbite?
Crossbites can be inherited due the the jaws growing the wrong size, shape or position however normally then are acquired and this can be due to:
- Overcrowded teeth
- Excessive thumb sucking
- Cleft lip &/or palate and other craniofacial anomalies
Can a Crossbite cause problems?
With a crossbite your teeth are far more likely to collide in a damaging way, and to compensate for this your jaw may itself move out of the correct position. These issues can lead to:
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
- Teeth wearing, loosening, or chipping
- Gum recession or other problems
- Uneven jaw growth and facial appearance
So how can a Crossbite be fixed?
Children and Teenagers
Ideally a Crossbite should be treated early, while the jaw and teeth are still developing. This provides the opportunity for your Orthodontist to identify the best system to guide your jaw into the correct position as it grows.
These options include:
- Braces
- Aligners (including Invisalign)
- Expander appliance (for Posterior Crossbite)
Adults
Surgery is an option for the more severe Crossbite cases, but often braces or discreet aligners such as Invisalign can rectify the incorrect positioning of teeth.
What is malocclusion?
You may hear your Orthodontist using the term malocclusion - this simply means that the contact or alignment between your top and bottom teeth (occlusion) is incorrect (mal - meaning bad).
Case Studies
Anterior Crossbite
Early Treatment (Facemask)
A facemask was used (primarily whilst sleeping) to align the upper front teeth in front of the lower teeth.
Your smile is unique...
…so your treatment will be as well.
Your local Orthodontist is specially trained to recognise the range of factors that contribute to a Crossbite, and they will be able to explain your options and discuss with you what suits you best and what you want.
So click the link below to find your nearest Clear Choice Orthodontist and get ready for your new smile.
all Orthodontists are qualified dentists
they then study for an additional 3 years
including 5,000 hours of practical training
specialists in correcting misaligned teeth and jaws