Search
Close this search box.

Crossbite Teeth: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment for Crossbite

Crossbite Teeth

Have you ever noticed that your teeth don’t quite meet properly when you bite down? This might indicate a crossbite or a dental condition. But what is a Crossbite Teeth? Instead of the typical small overlap, it happens when part of your upper teeth slide behind your lower teeth. Your front (anterior) and back (posterior) teeth may be misaligned, which can cause several issues beyond simple appearance.

2 types of Crossbite Teeth:

  1. Anterior Crossbite: Also known as crossbite front teeth. Anterior crossbite happens when your lower front teeth become the “oversharers,” jutting out in front of your upper ones. This can be caused by childhood habits like thumb sucking, or simply be in your genes. It can also occur if your lower jaw grows too much compared to your upper jaw. Left untreated, this misalignment can lead to chewing problems, jaw pain, and uneven tooth wear.
  2. Posterior Crossbite: Also known as crossbite back teeth. This one happens in the back of your mouth. Instead of upper molars fitting over the lower ones, they end up behind! This can be caused by a narrow upper jaw, with insufficient space for all the teeth to line up properly.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Crossbite?

Think you might have a crossbite? Watch for these signs:

  1. Misaligned bite: When you close your mouth, your teeth don’t meet properly.
  2. Speech troubles: You might lisp or have difficulty speaking clearly.
  3. Chewing mishaps: You accidentally bite your cheek or lip.
  4. Headaches: You experience frequent or severe headaches.
  5. Tooth or jaw pain: You have pain in specific teeth or your jaw feels uncomfortable.

What Causes a Crossbite?

Although a crossbite may appear as an unconscious misalignment, there are frequently underlying causes for this condition. Genetics and developmental factors are the 2 main crossbite teeth causes:

  • Genetics: If someone in your family has a crossbite, you might also be more likely to develop it. This suggests a potential inheritance of jaw size or tooth positioning tendencies.
  • Developmental factors: Certain habits that occur during childhood when your teeth are still growing can also cause crossbites. These habits include thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier or bottle use, mouth breathing, pushing your tongue against your teeth, losing baby teeth too early, or adult teeth erupting too early.

Why Fix a Crossbite?

Leaving crossbite teeth problems untreated can lead to several problems over time, including:

  • Toothaches and excessive tooth wear: The misaligned bite can put uneven pressure on your teeth, making them more susceptible to pain, chipping, and cracking.
  • Jaw pain problems: The imbalanced bite can strain your jaw muscles and joints, leading to pain and discomfort in your jaw.
  • Headaches and sleep apnea: In some cases, a crossbite can contribute to headaches and even sleep apnea, which occurs when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
  • Speech issues: A severe crossbite can affect your speech, making it difficult to pronounce certain sounds.

How To Fix a Crossbite?

Several resources discuss how to fix a crossbite. Here are some of the common treatment options:

  1. Braces: This is a common treatment for children and adults with crossbites. Braces use gentle pressure to move teeth into their proper positions.
  2. Palatal expanders: Expanders can widen the palate and create space for teeth to move into the correct positions for children with narrow upper jaws.
  3. Clear aligners (Invisalign): This is a popular option for adults who want a less visible alternative to braces. Clear aligners are a series of clear, removable trays that gradually move teeth into their proper positions.
  4. Headgear: In some cases, headgear might be used with braces to apply additional pressure and correct the bite.
  5. Tooth removal: In severe cases, removing some teeth might be necessary to create space for proper alignment.
  6. Surgery: In very severe cases, or when the jawbone itself is misaligned, surgery might be required to correct the jaw position. This surgery is often followed by orthodontics to achieve the desired final alignment.

How to Fix a Crossbite in Kids?

  1. Early Check-Ups: Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist around age seven to monitor adult tooth development and identify potential crossbite issues early.
  2. Braces: Traditional or clear braces are common treatments for children with crossbites. They gently guide teeth into their proper positions.
  3. Palatal Expanders: For children with a narrow upper jaw, expanders can create space for proper teeth alignment.
  4. Combined Treatment: In severe cases, orthodontics (braces) and jaw surgery might be needed to correct the bite.

How To Fix a Crossbite in Teenagers and Adults?

There are several treatment options available for fixing a crossbite in teenagers and adults:

  1. Surgical Options:

    • Jaw Realignment Surgery: In severe cases where braces or aligners alone aren’t insufficient, your orthodontist might recommend jaw surgery. This orthodontic surgery focuses on correcting the underlying jawbone position to achieve a proper bite. Jaw surgery is often followed by orthodontic treatment using braces or aligners to achieve the desired tooth alignment.
  2. Non-Surgical Options

    • Braces: Traditional braces remain a highly effective method for correcting crossbites in teenagers and adults. They use a system of brackets and wires to move teeth into their proper positions gradually. Orthodontists can sometimes combine braces with expanders, elastics, and other tools to achieve both tooth movement and skeletal realignment of the jaw.
    • Clear Aligners (Invisalign): Clear aligners like Invisalign offer a popular alternative for teenagers and adults seeking a less visible option. These are a series of clear, removable trays custom-made to fit teeth. You wear each aligner for a specific period and switch to the next in the series. Invisalign gradually shifts your teeth into their correct positions.

Conclusion

Crossbites are a common dental issue that can affect both children and adults. The good news is that effective treatment options are available. It’s important to catch crossbite issues early, especially in children. Scheduling regular check-ups with an orthodontist around the age of seven can help identify and address potential crossbite concerns at an early stage.

For teenagers and adults, there are various treatment options available, including braces, clear aligners, and in severe cases, jaw surgery. These options can effectively correct a crossbite and help create a healthy and confident smile.
 

Schedule Your Consultation Online

FAQs

  1. How long does it take to fix a crossbite?

    The amount of time it takes to fix a crossbite is situation-specific. The length of time will depend on the degree of misalignment and the type of treatment your dentist selects.

  2. Crossbite vs Overbite: What’s the difference?

    Overbite is the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth, whereas crossbite is the misalignment where the upper teeth sit inside or behind the lower teeth.

  3. Can a crossbite fix itself?

    Unfortunately, a crossbite doesn’t usually fix itself on its own. To get your teeth aligned properly, you’ll need to see a dentist

Picture of Dr. Nimesh Patel

Dr. Nimesh Patel

Dr. Patel is an orthodontist and maintains a private practice in Rome, NY. He completed his undergraduate education at the Ohio State University. Then, he earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia. After earning his doctorate, Dr. Patel attended a three-year, dual-degree residency at Columbia University in New York City. Here, he earned his certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics as well as earning a Masters in Oral Biology. During his time off, Dr. Patel likes to stay active by jogging, biking, and hiking.

Get in Touch!

Vails Gate, NY

Monroe, NY