Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when one or more of the upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth. It can occur in the front of the mouth or on the sides, where it’s usually a bilateral condition. Early correction of a crossbite is recommended because it can lead to permanent problems including asymmetric jaw growth, irregular muscle function and altered tooth eruption.
Crossbite should be corrected because it can:
- cause premature wear of the teeth
- cause gum disease including bone loss
- cause asymmetrical development of the jaws
- cause dysfunctional chewing patterns
- make your smile less attractive
How can a crossbite be orthodontically corrected?
If there is a single tooth in crossbite, the tooth can be moved into the correct position with braces. When multiple teeth are in crossbite, the arch needs to be expanded with braces or a combination of braces and an intra-oral appliance. This will help correct the bite relationship and allow the jaws to grow in harmony.