Crossbite teeth are one of the common dental problems that affect your facial appearance. This condition is also one of the reasons why many people are not confident to smile. If you worry about this condition, CP Dental in Southern Brisbane can help you address your issues and concerns.
All About Crossbite Teeth
A crossbite is a type of dental misalignment that happens when the upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly. Some lower teeth, when you close your mouth, are positioned outside the upper teeth. On the other hand, some cases of the upper teeth are situated inside the lower teeth. This condition can either show up at the front of the mouth or the back of the mouth.
Usually, most people are confused with crossbite teeth and underbite teeth. However, the two conditions are entirely different from one another and require other treatment options.
Crossbite teeth are somewhat forward, yet not the whole jaw. The underbite condition occurs when the lower teeth and jaw are ahead of the upper teeth and jaw. It is additionally more extreme than a crossbite.
The two main types of crossbites are:
- Anterior crossbites refer to the group of teeth in the lower front of your mouth fitting over your upper jaw’s teeth.
- Posterior crossbites happen when the bottom teeth toward the rear part of your mouth fitting over the teeth in your upper jaw.
A crossbite can cause complexities and painful symptoms. Nevertheless, different dental treatment options can help treat this condition.
Common Problems of a Crossbite
A crossbite is not only a cosmetic issue. For grown-ups, a continuous crossbite can cause different symptoms. These indications may include:
- tooth decay
- pain in your teeth or jaw
- sleep apnea
- temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- recurrent headaches
- trouble speaking or framing certain sounds
- discomfort in your jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles
Causes of Crossbite Teeth
Many factors can cause a crossbite. These include:
Genetics
The leading cause of a crossbite is due to hereditary qualities. Some individuals are born with a bigger lower jaw and smaller top jaw.
Since slender palates and teeth can extend in the family, it might bring about a crossbite once teeth start to fill in. If so, an orthodontist may suggest a growth modification apparatus. This instrument helps widen an infant’s upper jaw early on to prepare for orthodontic treatment once their lasting teeth begin to develop.
Mouth Breathing
Usually, mouth breathing occurs during sleeping time. This condition can adjust facial development. Children who have little upper jaw and breath through the mouth can have a higher possibility of getting a crossbite.
Delayed Development of Permanent Teeth
Over-held teeth occur when the baby teeth have loosened but then fix once again into the gums. This condition can prevent the emission of permanent teeth. If this issue happens in the upper jaw, the dentist needs to extract the tooth to avoid a crossbite with the tooth or teeth in the bottom jaw.
Orthodontic treatment is essential to shift the tooth into its proper position, especially if the permanent tooth emerges and causes a crossbite.
Childhood Habits
Childhood habits like sucking can change jaw development. These practices incorporate, yet are not restricted to, finger sucking, thumb sucking, poor biting habits, and using a pacifier or bottle excessively.
Treatment Options
A dentist can treat a crossbite using orthodontic apparatuses or surgical treatment strategies. Visit this e-shop to see what kind of tools do dentists use.
Treatment periods for grown-ups and children differ widely, depending on the seriousness of the condition. The average period to correct a crossbite ranges from 18 months to 3 years.
Treatment for a crossbite can start before age 10. The dentist can use a palate expander to widen the top of the child’s mouth and treat a crossbite since the jaw during childhood is still developing. The dentist may also recommend traditional braces or dental headgear as a type of treatment.
Adults who have slighter instances of crossbite can likewise use orthodontic treatments, such as:
- retainers
- braces
- detachable palate expanders
- prescribed elastics
Jaw surgery may be necessary for grown-ups with a more severe crossbite. The objective of jaw surgery is to reset and effectively adjust your jaw. While it recovers, you may have to get further treatments like braces to guarantee the procedure’s effectiveness. With not so much severe of crossbite issues, dentists might recommend Invisalign at Port Macquarie Dental Centre for you.
Takeaway
You can decide not to treat your crossbite teeth. However, keep in mind that the disadvantages stretch out beyond aesthetics.
A crossbite can lead to other complications. You might be bound to develop other dental conditions if you decide not to address your crossbites. Misaligned or malocclusion teeth are more challenging to keep clean, which can expand your danger of tooth decay and gum disease. There are other severe medical conditions linked with an uncorrected crossbite, including sleep apnea and TMJ.
Established and proven treatments are available to correct a crossbite in grown-ups and youngsters. In case you have crossbite teeth, schedule an appointment with an orthodontist for a checkup and manage your next steps.
