What Happens if a Crossbite is not Corrected?
A type of tooth misalignment, a crossbite occurs when an otherwise healthy bite becomes distorted, and the teeth do not properly fit together. When a bite is properly aligned, the upper teeth should fall slightly over the lower teeth. Should a crossbite occur, the upper teeth (or tooth) will hide behind the lower teeth when the mouth is closed or, conversely, the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth.
Crossbites are often hereditary so anyone with a family history of bite misalignment should visit an orthodontist and ensure their oral health is kept in check. In other cases, crossbites can be circumstantial. For example, should permanent teeth come in before baby teeth fall out, they may not have adequate room to grow into their proper position resulting in misalignment.
Why Are Crossbites Problematic?
Regardless of the cause of a crossbite, it can be uncomfortable and lead to other oral complications such as receding gums, loose teeth, and jaw pain. Like other forms of bite misalignment, crossbites can result in chipped teeth, teeth grinding, tooth sensitivity issues, uneven enamel wear, and tooth loss over time.
Additionally, when the teeth do not properly align when closing, facial muscles may not be engaged equally. As a result, crossbite patients often report developing muscle tension, neck strains, and headaches from the atypical stresses placed on their jaw. In severe instances, and particularly with young patients, crossbites can affect face and jaw development.
Finally, a crossbite can be aesthetically unpleasing. A crossbite can have lasting effects that develop into permanent deviations of the skull and facial bones. This can negatively affect facial symmetry, cause speech impediments, and undermine the patient’s confidence.
How to Treat a Crossbite
The first step for anyone suspecting they have a crossbite is to visit an orthodontist. Often, orthodontic braces will be used to straighten misaligned teeth and correct a crossbite. Orthodontic braces are available in several forms including clear, metal, ceramic, or removable. Choice of braces will depend on the patient’s lifestyle and extent of misalignment. Braces work by applying the correct amount of pressure to misaligned teeth to push them into proper position.
Treating Crossbite in Children
To give them the best chance of fully correcting their misalignment and avoid any further deviations or shifts in their bite, children with crossbite should seek treatment as early as possible. While a patient’s jaws continue to grow, an orthodontist can intervene early to control and steer the growth in the ideal direction. As such, orthodontists generally recommend addressing and fixing a crossbite even if all of the permanent teeth have not erupted. Untreated juvenile crossbites carried over into adulthood can lead to severe jaw and muscle pain. This can make even simple motions like opening the mouth restricted and uncomfortable.
Treating Crossbite in Adults
Adults with mild to moderate crossbite may be able to correct the condition with orthodontic braces but in some instances, surgery may be necessary as well. Orthodontists typically offer multiple treatment options including braces to move the teeth into their proper place, aligners, and expanders to widen the jaws.