What Is Crossbite? Causes, Types & Treatment

A crossbite is simply the misalignment of teeth, aka malocclusion. It happens when the upper and lower teeth don’t align appropriately as the mouth closes.  

Unlike other teeth alignment problems, such as overbite and underbite, crossbites are less common. According to the research, the prevalence of crossbites ranges from 6.8% to 38.4% in different populations across the globe. 

From gum recession and tooth damage to painful bites and speech difficulties, a crossbite can affect oral well-being. However, quick diagnosis and treatment can help overcome its complications.

If you face bite challenges, consult top orthodontists like Dr. Aaron Ivanhoe via the Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics platform.  

What a Crossbite Means for Your Dental Health?

A crossbite is an imperfect bite in which both upper and lower teeth don’t align properly. The condition may affect a single or multiple teeth, leading to a bad bite. It is often confused with a similar condition known as underbite.

Types

Not all crossbites are the same. Depending on the position, crossbite can have the following two types:

I- Anterior

The anterior crossbite affects the front teeth (incisors and canines). It occurs when the upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth. According to the research, 79% of crossbites are anterior. 

II- Posterior

In contrast, a posterior bad bite occurs when the lower back teeth sit behind the upper back teeth. A posterior crossbite affects the molars and premolars. Approximately 21% of crossbites are posterior. Crossbites can also be bilateral and unilateral. 

III- Bilateral

It can affect both sides of the mouth. These are less common than unilateral ones.

IV- Unilateral

It affects only one side of the mouth and may lead to facial asymmetry.

Degree of Crossbite

Depending on the severity, a crossbite may be categorized into the following:

I. Mild

It refers to the slight misalignment that affects one of a few teeth with less complications. 

II. Moderate

Moderate crossbite refers to a more noticeable misalignment than a mild one. It affects multiple teeth and can cause jaw pain, jaw shifting, and tooth wear.

III. Severe

This is the most severe form of crossbite, which affects all teeth of the upper or lower jaw. Severe crossbite may result in severe complications, such as facial changes and difficulty with speech and chewing.

How to Tell If You Have a Crossbite

Like other alignment problems (including overbite or underbite), a crossbite affects your bite and damages your gum or jaw. Some common symptoms are:

• Teeth Related Symptoms
  • Visible teeth misalignment 
  • Excessive tooth wear due to pressure exertion
  • Teeth sensitivity
• Gum Related Symptoms
  • Bleeding gums
  • Gums recession
• Jaw Related Symptoms
  • Mandibular pain
  • Clicking or popping sounds from the jaw joint
• Other Symptoms
  • Accidental tongue or cheek biting 
  • Facial asymmetry
  • Difficulty chewing and biting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Speech development problems

How Crossbites Develop

Now, look at the major causes behind this bad bite problem and highlight some important risk factors.

Genetics

A crossbite may be in your genetics. It is more common when you have a small upper jaw or a wide lower jaw.

Delayed or Early Tooth Eruption

If your baby’s teeth stay longer in place or are gone too soon, it may result in common bite problems.

Childhood Habits

Early childhood habits also determine one’s risk for developing common bite problems. A crossbite is more common in children who are into:

• Pacifiers
• Bottle feed for more extended period
• Suck their thumb
• Tongue thrust 

Skeletal Issues

People who naturally have narrow upper jaws, observe uneven jaw alignment, and have facial symmetry challenges may also suffer from bad bite issues. 

Other

A crossbite may also result from dental restoration work, such as poorly fitted crowns. Sometimes, jaw injuries may also serve as an important risk factor.

How to Fix a Crossbite

If left untreated, a crossbite may lead to other complications, causing irreversible damage. Therefore, early treatment is the only way to minimize the severity of the problem.

Various treatment options are available for mild, moderate and severe crossbites. The following are some standard treatment options:

Option1: Dental Treatments

Mild crossbite gets better with the dental treatment. The following dental treatments can help to resolve the problem:

• Reshaping the misaligned teeth by fringing
• Dental restoration through veneers or crowns 
• Removal of one or more teeth in case of severe overcrowding

Option2: Orthodontic Treatments

The following orthodontic treatments are the easy way to solve moderate crossbite problems. 

• Dental braces (pushing teeth back to their place)
• Clear aligners (works the same as dental braces)
• Palatal Expanders (for jaw expansion)

Option3: Surgical Treatment

If a crossbite is severe, then surgery is the only possible solution to overcome the problem. The surgical treatments include:

• Jaw Surgery: For adults with severe crossbites who must fix their jaw positioning.
• Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE): A non-surgical alternative to jaw surgery.

Option4: Myofunctional Therapy

This therapeutic approach resolves the problem by fixing tongue position and swallowing through exercises. 

The cost of each treatment varies depending on the severity of the problem, the medical facility, and the nature of the treatment. 

Say Goodbye to Misaligned Teeth and Enjoy a Perfect Bite

Crossbite is a common dental problem in which upper and lower jaw teeth don’t sit properly. 

A crossbite affects more than just aesthetics; it also affects jaw and gum health. However, timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications. Finding an appropriate treatment can manage a crossbite.

Children recover quickly compared to adults, whereas in adults, treatment may take months to years. So, wait no more; consult the best dental expert now and get a perfect smile.