Everyone deserves a beautiful smile and a healthy bite. Unfortunately, some people are born with a crossbite, a condition where the upper and lower teeth don’t align correctly. This can affect both the front and back teeth; each case is unique.
A crossbite can make it difficult to bite and chew properly and impact your smile. But you don’t have to worry, as effective treatments are available to correct this issue.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss common treatment options for crossbites.
What are the Causes of Crossbite?
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of a crossbite:
Genetics
Children are more likely to inherit a crossbite if a family has a history of jaw problems.
Mouth Breathing
Children who breathe through their mouths, often during sleep, can experience abnormal facial growth. This is especially true for children born with a smaller upper jaw.
Childhood Habits
Habits like thumb-sucking or pacifier use can negatively impact jaw development. Certain chewing habits can also contribute to developing a crossbite later in life.
Delayed Baby Tooth Loss
Sometimes, baby teeth become stuck and don’t fall out as they should. This can delay the eruption of permanent teeth and lead to a crossbite. In these cases, an orthodontist may need to remove the stubborn baby tooth.
What are the Repercussions of Untreated Crossbite?
Leaving a crossbite untreated can lead to several health problems, such as:
- Chipped Teeth – Constant misalignment can cause teeth to chip or break.
- Gum Disease – Cavities can develop due to difficulty cleaning teeth properly, leading to gum disease.
- Gum Recession – Teeth grinding and misalignment can wear away gum tissue, making gums more susceptible to infection and decay.
- TMJ Disorder – A crossbite can strain the jaw joint, causing pain and discomfort.
What is the Treatment for Crossbite?
A crossbite won’t fix itself, so early treatment is fundamental to preventing future jaw and dental problems. The best time to treat a crossbite is during childhood, when the jaw and face are still growing. However, adults can also correct a crossbite.
If you think your child has a crossbite, their orthodontist might wait until they’re around 7 or 8 years old to start treatment. The specific treatment plan will depend on the cause and severity of the crossbite.
Potential treatments for crossbite include:
Braces
Braces apply gentle pressure to your teeth and jaw to move them into the correct position. Sometimes, braces are used with a palate expander to widen the upper jaw.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to gradually shift your teeth. These aligners are removable and often require a shorter treatment time than traditional braces.
Functional Appliances
These appliances, which can be fixed or removable, help correct the jaws’ position and growth.
Retainers
After orthodontic treatment, retainers are worn to keep the teeth in their new positions and prevent them from shifting back.
In Short
A crossbite might not seem like a big deal now, but it can lead to jaw problems and affect your face shape later on. Crooked teeth are also harder to clean, which can cause cavities and other dental issues.
Don’t let misaligned teeth become a bigger problem. If you or your child has crooked teeth, talk to a dentist or orthodontist today.
Not sure where to go? Trust the dental experts at DentaLand Dentistry of Houston. Call us today at (832) 674-8377 to schedule your appointment.