crossbite

what is a crossbite?

crossbite is a type of teeth misalignment where the top teeth and bottom teeth do not come together in the correct position when the jaw is closed. the teeth can overlap in the wrong way causing a misalignment either in the front or the back teeth. depending on the severity of the condition there are several ways to treat crossbite teeth.

  • in mild cases, orthodontic treatment such as braces or clear aligners may be used to gradually shift the teeth into proper alignment.
  • in some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a crossbite. this involves orthognathic surgery, which repositions the upper and lower jaws to align properly, or tooth extraction to create more space in the jaw.

crossbite types

there are two types of crossbites: anterior crossbite and posterior crossbite. Let’s talk about both these types in brief.

  1. anterior crossbites occur in the front teeth and can cause the upper teeth to sit behind the lower teeth. anterior crossbites can cause a person's front teeth to look "pushed in".

2. posterior crossbites occur in the back teeth and can cause the upper back teeth to sit inside the lower back teeth. posterior crossbites can cause the back teeth to look "collapsed."

now that you understand the types of crossbite teeth, let us shed some light on their causes.

crossbite causes:

1. dental or skeletal problems

a crossbite can be caused by dental issues such as misaligned teeth, crowded teeth or irregular tooth eruption.

2. genetic factors

genetics can contribute to the development of a crossbite. Individuals who are born with a smaller upper jaw and a larger lower jaw may have narrower palates and tooth anomalies, increasing their chances of developing a crossbite.

3. trauma and other factors

habits like mouth breathing or thumb-sucking as a child can cause crossbites. Other factors like an accident that can cause trauma can also lead to crossbites.

crossbite symptoms:

the most common symptoms of a crossbite can include the following:

1. discomfort or pain while chewing

misalignment of the jaw can cause discomfort or pain when biting and chewing food.

2. speech difficulties

crossbite can affect the position of the teeth and jaw, leading to speech difficulties such as lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.

3. facial asymmetry

the misalignment of the jaw can result in facial asymmetry, with one side of the face appearing larger or more prominent than the other.

4. jaw problems

jaw problems like TMJ which can cause jaw pain, clicking or locking are also symptoms of crossbites.

5. other factors

other symptoms of a crossbite include gum recession, changes in the shape of the face and an increased risk of tooth decay and other dental problems.

why do you need to correct a crossbite?

correcting a crossbite is important for several reasons. First and foremost, a crossbite can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty chewing, which can affect a person's quality of life. it can also lead to speech difficulties and even jaw problems.

in addition to these immediate concerns, a crossbite can also cause long-term dental problems. for example, a crossbite can cause tooth wear, gum recession, and tooth decay. it can also lead to tooth loss or gum disease if left untreated.

furthermore, in severe cases, a crossbite can affect a person's appearance. it can cause facial asymmetry or change the shape of a person's face, which can have a negative impact on self-esteem and confidence.

overall, correcting a crossbite is important for both immediate and long-term dental health, as well as overall well-being and self-confidence. it is important to seek treatment for a crossbite as early as possible to prevent these complications and improve overall oral health.

how much does corrective treatment cost?

treating a crossbite does not have to cast a hole in your pocket anymore. at makeO toothsi, you will find treatment plans for different severity that will fit right into your budget. our dental aligners are the perfect solution to treat your crossbite issues. the smile makeover plan from makeO toothsi starts at just ₹ 69,999*. If your crossbite is more severe and needs extra attention, you can choose the makeO toothsi Prime plan that cost only ₹ 79,999*. to make things easier for you, there is also an option for monthly EMI.

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faqs:

how does a crossbite happen?

crossbites can occur from genetics, delayed loss of baby teeth or abnormal eruption of permanent teeth. These problems may be caused by habits, tooth growth delays, or bone structure problems. Specific crossbite causes can include Pacifier, finger, or thumb sucking that pushes teeth.

how do you treat crossbite?

various orthodontic treatments can be used to fix crossbite which include braces, clear aligners, corrective jaw surgery, etc. Using clear aligners is the most convenient way to fix a crossbite as they provide a discreet option to fix your teeth affordably. You can choose makeO toothsi clear aligners to start your teeth alignment journey today!

how long does it take to fix a crossbite?

the average time to fix a crossbite can range anywhere between 9-18 months depending upon the severity of the case. There are different orthodontic treatments available to fix a crossbite depending upon the type of the case, where some cases can take an excess of 18 months to be treated. The overall time to fix a crossbite will depend upon the type and severity of the case.

how does crossbite affect your face?

crossbite can affect the development of the jaw in young patients if it occurs at an early age. It can also lead to aesthetic issues while making your face look asymmetrical, especially near the mouth area. You can also experience difficulty in eating and speaking along with problems in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

at what age should a crossbite be corrected?

the treatment for a crossbite can be started safely at an early age of 12-14 years. However, in some severe cases, your orthodontist may recommend starting the treatment before that. The right age for treating a crossbite can be rightfully decided by your orthodontist depending upon the type and severity of your case.

what is the fastest way to correct crossbite?

the fastest way to correct crossbite is with the use of clear aligners that will effectively treat a mild case of crossbite within 8-12 months. However, the overall time of treatment can vary depending on the type and severity of your case. In some cases, your orthodontist can recommend a corrective jaw surgery to treat your crossbite in the fastest way.

will crossbite be corrected on its own?

it is likely for crossbite to correct itself during early childhood stages with the presence of milk teeth. If the crossbite is still present after the age of 8-9 years, you should consult an orthodontist for the correct treatment. Various orthodontic methods will be recommended to treat the crossbite effectively.

what happens if you don't fix a crossbite?

if crossbite is not treated in time, it can cause dental issues such as uneven wear and tear of teeth, teeth grinding, tooth loss, cavities, jaw problems, etc. A crossbite can also lead to other problems such as difficulty in speaking and eating, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, etc.

does crossbite get worse with age?

yes, a crossbite can get worse with age as your teeth can continue to shift while making the misalignment more complex. If the crossbite is not treated in time, it can get worse leading to problems such as difficulty in speaking and eating, tooth loss, jaw problems, cavities, and much more.

does crossbite affect speech?

yes, crossbite can affect your speech making it difficult for you to speak clearly at times. Your teeth should be aligned properly to create an airtight seal for your tongue so it can move properly while speaking. However, in crossbite, the misaligned teeth won’t create the required space for your tongue in your mouth to carry out seamless communication.

do braces help crossbite?

braces is the most common method to treat almost all cases of crossbite. Braces can also carry out jaw alignment to some degree with the use of other dental appliances. However, you can use clear aligners to treat crossbite issues in less time and in the most discreet way.

can you live with a crossbite?

crossbite can lead to various oral health issues such as cavities, tooth decay, uneven wear and tear of teeth, and much more. If you don’t treat the crossbite, you can also experience headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and asymmetry in your face. Therefore, it is recommended to treat your crossbite at the earliest to avoid such issues.

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