Crossbite Explained: Causes, Treatments, and Smilepath’s Solutions

Anterior Crossbite

Anterior crossbite is a form of malocclusion when the crossbite occurs in only the front teeth. In an anterior crossbite, one or more front teeth are positioned behind the lower teeth when biting together.

Posterior Crossbite

A posterior crossbite describes the crossbite between upper and lower premolars and molars (back teeth). A tooth that rests behind the opposing tooth classifies as a lingual posterior crossbite. Similarly, if there is an excessive forward extension of an upper tooth relative to a lower tooth it is called buccal posterior crossbite also known as a scissor bite. Having any type of posterior crossbite can cause improper chewing activities with irregular development of jaw bones.

Single Tooth Crossbite

In a single-tooth crossbite, one tooth stands misaligned either toward the front or at the back of the oral cavity. One irregular tooth alignment disrupts a normal bite and can cause discomfort.

Segmental Crossbite

A segmental crossbite is quite self-explanatory as it refers to crossbite in different segments of the mouth, affecting more than one tooth at a time but not the whole set of teeth. An upper-to-lower teeth position determines whether the crossbite is considered to be lingual (outside of the tongue side) or buccal (facing toward the cheek side). These crossbites can lead to arch asymmetry which can then affect the face structure, so it needs to be treated as soon as possible.

Bilateral Crossbite

A bilateral crossbite is when there is a crossbite on both sides of the mouth. The arrangement of back teeth bilaterally inside the lower teeth usually results from a narrow upper jaw structure. If a bilateral crossbite remains untreated it leads to problems like speech development and inability to properly chew.

Unilateral Crossbite

In unilateral crossbite, only a single section of the mouth faces the developmental consequences, which can be either the right or left side. Long-term unbalanced bite patterns cause the jaw to develop facial asymmetry because it adapts to these uneven structures.

Why Fix Crossbite?

If not treated on time, a crossbite can cause multiple functional and other long-term problems including:

• Functional issues like uneven bite, difficulty in chewing, and potential jaw pain.
• Aesthetic concerns as an asymmetrical smile or altered facial structure.
• Long-term risks like increased chances of TMJ disorders, gum recession, and speech difficulty.

According to a study, children with untreated functional crossbite develop an asymmetrical jaw structure compared to people without crossbite. The unequal jaw structure produces bite problems, and other conditions such as facial asymmetry, ear pain, and breathing difficulties.

For Children

• Palatal Expanders: The dental device called a palatal expander helps doctors widen the upper jaw to create space for dental realignment and tooth positioning.
• Braces: In braces metal brackets and wires are used to gradually align your teeth.
• Habit correction: Breaking habits like thumb-sucking can prevent worsening misalignment.

For Adults

• Clear Aligners: Clear Aligners deliver an effective and discreet solution for tooth alignment. It treats mild to moderate cases of crossbite and gives you a perfect smile in 4-6 months as compared to traditional metal or ceramic braces.

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• Braces : A most common way to help treat serious and moderate cases of crossbite with metal brackets.
• Surgery: If you have severe cases of crossbite or misalignment then surgery is the best option for you.