CROSSBITE TEETH

A crossbite can be classified as a type of malocclusion where the upper and lower teeth do not connect in the correct position when taking a bite. Crossbite can cause more serious oral health problems as well as an uneven jaw if not diagnosed and treated early.

A crossbite can be treated in so many ways,including the useofelastics, braces and surgery.The treatment adopted by your dentist depends on the type of crossbite you have (posterior or anterior) and the severity of your crossbite.

Since crossbite can become severe and cause more damage than other oral health problems if not treated on time, you are advised to visit your dentist for diagnosis and treatment as early as possible. Dental issues such ascrossbite is always a concern that is why we have provided this information to help you understand the condition better and also give you an idea on the most suitable treatment for you.

What Is A Crossbite?

A crossbite is one of the types of malocclusionor misaligned teeth. It occurs when your upper front teeth sit inside your lower front teeth or when the upper back teeth and the lower back teeth are too far apart. A crossbite is seen outwardly as an uneven jaw.

Crossbite can be treated in different ways because different factors cause them —the factors that cause crossbite include behavioural factors like thumb sucking or genetic factors like overcrowded teeth.

Types Of Crossbite

Crossbite can be classified by how many teeth are affected, where they occur and their position in the mouth.As a result of this, there are various types of crossbite,such as:

Anterior Crossbite

This is also known as an underbite— its occurs where the upper front teeth rest behind the lower front teeth. There are different causes of anterior crossbite; they include:

Thumb-sucking: this pressures and pushes the roofof the mouth upward making it narrower rather than wider.
Mouth breathing in babies: this makes the tongue not to rest on the top of the mouth, which makes the upper jaw wider.
Overcrowded teeth: a crowded lower jaw can make it push further forward than they should, therefor causing a crossbite.
Repairs to cleft lips: The development of the upper jaw can be affected after cleft lip surgery, causingcrossbite.

An Anterior can be noticedeasily because it makes the jaw to protrude and appear uneven.

Posterior Crossbite

A posterior crossbite affects the teeth behind the mouth. This type of crossbiteis causedbyfactors such as late growth of milk teeth, permanent teeth growing in the wrong order/position and other factors that affect the front teeth such as thumb sucking and mouth breeding. Treating a posterior crossbite should be done early with an early diagnosis.

Buccal crossbite

A buccal crossbite occurs when teeth are positioned too far out towards the cheek. One of the significant symptoms of buccal crossbite is when you feel your inner teeth bite into the surface of your cheek when your mouth is closed.

Lingual crossbite

A lingual crossbiteoccurs when the teeth are positioned towards the tongue. One primary symptom of this type of crossbiteis when you feel the biting surface of your inner teeth with your tongue when you close your mouth.

Bilateral and unilateralcrossbite

A bilateral crossbiteoccurs when both sides of your mouth are affected by the crossbite while a unilateral crossbiteaffects just one side of your mouth. These two types of crossbite can be treated in the same way. Althoughthe process might be different.

Single Tooth And Segmental Crossbite

A single tooth crossbite affects just one tooth which occurs when your bottom front or canine tooth sticks forward too far while your upper tooth pushes inwards.

A segmental crossbite, on the other hand, is when a few of your teeth do not line up —it affects 2 - 3 teeth in a row, making them stick inward towards the tongue or outward towards the cheek.

What Problems Can A Crossbite Cause?

Crossbite teeth may not be a problem aesthetically, but not seeking treatment on time can result in more severe medical problems later in the future. Crossbite can cause the following issues if left untreated:

Increased chances of teeth grinding teethor bruxism
Gum disease
Excessive wearing of gums and teeth
Increased risk of tooth decay
An asymmetrical jaw
Cheek biting during meals
Higher chances of headaches due to tension

Options ForCrossbite Correction

The treatment options for crossbite are similar in most cases irrespective of the terms in which crossbiteis defined— it is best to start treating crossbiteteethat childhood, this is because the jaws are still developing at this stage, and they can quickly move into place. Research conducted in the UK shows that treating crossbite teeth with braces has about 80% effectiveness without the need for other treatment if you start treatment early.

Treating ACrossbite With Braces

Posterior and anterior crossbitesare mostly treated with braces. Your orthodontist will discuss the various types of braces with you, that can be used for teeth alignment to help you choose the most suitable treatment for you.

A palate expander is the most common type of braces used for treating crossbite because it helps to widen the upper jaw making the top teeth sit correctly with the lower teeth — it needs regular adjustment to provide the necessary pressure to push the teeth further apart. This type of braces can attain the desired result within a few months because of the rapid expander.

Further teeth straightening may be required after the palate has expanded the jaw to the correct size —other kinds of fixed braces can be further used to straighten your teeth afterwards. Retainers can be used to keep the teeth in their new position once the teeth straightening process with braces has been completed.

Can You Fix Crossbite Without Braces?

Braces can be used to correct a crossbite. It is a fact that most people are not comfortable using fixed or metal braces. However, there are other more suitablealternatives such as invisible clear aligners or clear braces which can be used to achieve the same result.

Can InvisalignFix Crossbite?

Invisalign braces can be used to fix mild to moderate cases of crossbiteeffectively. This types of braces are very convenient because they can be removed and the bright colourmakes them nearly unnoticeable.

Invisalign braces are more comfortable than other types of braces,but it may not be suitable for treating your kind of crossbite—taking a quick Smile Assessment test to help you know if you are suitable for Invisalign braces.

Our dental team at Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic can examine the severity of your crossbite to know if you are suitable for Invisalign braces. Visit us today in London or call 020 71830755 to book an appointment today.

Fixing A Posterior Crossbite With Elastics

Posterior crossbite teeth can be fixed using elastics. Your orthodontist attaches a hook toyour upper tooth from the inside and to your lower tooth from the outside. The hooks are connected with an elastic band which helps to pull the back tooth outwards so that it will sitgradually over the lower tooth the way it should be— this process may take a few months toaffect a change.

Jaw Realignment Surgery

Severe cases of crossbite can lead to an uneven jaw which can be quite noticeable. Jaw realignment surgery may be required to correct this case of crossbite— a surgery is quite a common procedure,but you might be worried mainly if it is your first time.

You can ask your dentist to show you before and after pictures of crossbites,surgery to help you understand the effect of the treatment and to help you calm your nerves.

Crossbite surgery involves the removal of your wisdom teeth and fixing the asymmetrical jaw at the back of your mouth. After the surgery, you will need braces for about 18 months to help your jaw stay in its newly aligned position.

Jaw realignment surgery for adults and children involves breaking and repositioning of the jaw—the surgeon uses plates and screws to hold the jaw in place after the jaw have been broken and repositioned.There may be no visible scarring since all the cut is done inside your mouth.

Crossbite surgery recovery are in three stages which include taking liquid food for a few days, healing of scars and openings should take about 6 - 12weeks to heal completely, after which braces will be worn for 6months or more.

How Much Does Crossbite Surgery Cost?

It is preferable to treat crossbiteduring childhood when the jaws are still developing. However, a few reasons can make you have a unilateral or bilateral crossbite or have crossbite as an adult.

The cost of jaw surgery for adults in the UK vary, it can cost between £2,500 -£5,000— your dentist should be able to provide you with an accurate quotation during a consultation. Factors that contribute to the cost of surgery include surgical fees, anaesthetic fees, hospital fees, orthognathic planning fees and consumable fees such as implants, screws and plates.

Contact Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic in London to get a quotation for the treatment of your crossbite. Give us a call on 02071830755 today.

Conclusion

Fixing crossbite is quite a straightforward process that is simpler in childhood than with adults because their jaws are still developing—the treatmentincludes the use ofbraces, elastics and jaw realignment surgery.

Treating crossbite with braces does not necessarily mean you have to wear metal braces. Invisalign braces are more comfortable and convenient options if it is suitable for your type of crossbite.

If you need an experienced dentist to handle your crossbite in London, then Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic is your go-to clinic. Visit us in London or call us on 020 71830755 to book an appointment or make further enquires.