What is a cross bite?

Crossbites occur when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, when the mouth is closed. Usually your teeth would rest on the outside of your lower teeth. When they don’t, this is why dentists call it a crossbite. In this article, we will explore what the effects are from having a crossbite, and the treatment available to remedy this condition.

Identifying a crossbite

When two rows of teeth aren’t meeting in the correct position, it is known as a malocclusion, or a bad bite. Abnormal bites come in both posterior and anterior forms.
A Cochrane is used to define a posterior crossbite, in which the top back teeth are biting down inside of the lower back teeth. This is common in young children who haven’t developed their permanent teeth yet.
Anterior cross bites occur when the palate forces the upper front teeth in position behind the lower front teeth. Around 4-5% of people experience an anterior crossbite.

What is affected from a crossbite?
A crossbite can cause serious problems to your teeth. Wearing, erosion and chipping of the teeth are all common problems associated with a cross bite. You may also notice / experience little dips or notches above your gum line, leading to painful gum issues and potentially bone loss, if left untreated.

How can it be treated?
There are multiple orthodontic tools available to treat crossbites, designed to help with adjusting the palate, jaw or teeth.

*Braces
Braces are a common treatment for fixing crossbites, amongst other things too. They are designed to align teeth into the correct position through a combination of wires and brackets.

*Palatal/maxillary expander
This is another orthodontic device which is attached to the palate and upper teeth, and then gradually widens the upper palate through regular key turnings in the device. This treatment is most effective in children, as their palates are still developing.

*Removable palate expanders
Usually worn by adults during the night, these widen the upper palate when there only needs to be minimal expansion needed.

*Surgically assisted rapid palate expansion
This is the process of a surgeon conducting the procedure, which breaks up the jaw bone in several places. Once this has been done, the patient will then be fitted with a custom device, allowing for a wider expansion of the upper palate.

There are multiple treatments available to remedy crossbites, so if you are looking for an orthodontist in Solihull, be sure to get in contact with Ascent Dental Care Solihull, for a professional, tailored service.

Looking for more information?

Require a dental appointment, or are looking for cosmetic surgery such as teeth whitening in Solihull, why not contact Ascent Dental Care Solihull today, for a tailored and friendly service.