Your Dentist Answers: What is a Crossbite?

A crossbite is a type of bite misalignment that usually develops during childhood, and often it does not correct itself as a person ages. It can affect both the front and back teeth, creating a number of dental health and aesthetic issues. Thankfully, your dentist is able to address this kind of problem head on using a variety of simple, non-invasive treatments. What is it? How can it be treated? Read on to learn more.

What is a Crossbite?

When the bite is properly aligned, the upper teeth sit slightly outside of the lower teeth at the front, sides, and back of the mouth. This is not the case when it comes to a crossbite. There are two main kinds:

• Posterior: The upper back teeth sit inside the bottom back teeth when the mouth is closed.
• Anterior: The teeth in the front of the mouth bite down behind the lower teeth.

People with a crossbite tend to be at a higher risk of developing a variety of emotional and dental health issues. It can create the appearance of a “crooked” smile, impacting their self-esteem, and also lead to more instances of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and strain on the jaw muscles (which can lead to chronic pain and headaches). Teeth-grinding may also be a side-effect, which can wear the teeth down over time.

How to Treat a Crossbite

Fortunately, dentistry is well-equipped to handle a crossbite. The best time to have one corrected is while a patient is a child or teenager, but treatment can be successfully performed on an adult as well. Correcting the condition typically involves adjusting the teeth, hard palate, or jaw using orthodontics.

This may include a palatal or maxillary (upper jaw) expander, which can change the size of the hard palate, surgery, or traditional braces. In recent years, more and more dentists and patients have chosen to correct a crossbite using Invisalign, a relatively new approach to orthodontics that utilizes a series of clear plastic aligner trays to move the teeth. Patients tend to prefer it because of its subtle appearance and the fact that the trays can be easily removed. Typically, Invisalign is only recommended for those patients who are 18 and older, but Invisalign Teen is also an option for those dealing with a crossbite.

What to Do if You Have a Crossbite

If you are currently dealing with any kind of bite misalignment, the best thing for you to do is visit your local dentist.  They will be able to offer you a multitude of treatment options, and you can choose the one you think is the right fit. After that, it is just a matter of time before you have a perfectly aligned smile.

About Applegate Dental

Applegate Dental has a team of dental experts that are ready and able to serve patients of all ages in the West Seneca, NY area and beyond. Whether you are looking for a dentist for yourself, your child, or both, you will always have a place at our practice. If you have concerns with a crossbite or any other dental issue, please contact us today.