Having proper teeth alignment is an indicator of good oral health. If your teeth do not align properly, it can cause dental issues such as teeth grinding, pain, TMJ disorder, difficulty speaking, and tooth decay. Thankfully, with proper orthodontic treatment, crossbite can be corrected and give you a straight, healthy smile. Our specialist for braces in Richmond, VA, explains what crossbite is and how to treat it.
What Is Crossbite?
Crossbite is a type of malocclusion (a condition where the teeth don’t meet properly). With crossbite, the upper teeth fit inside of the lower teeth, instead of lying on the outside of the bottom teeth as they naturally should. There are two types of crossbite that may affect the back teeth, front teeth, or both:
- Anterior crossbite — Where the front teeth are in crossbite and one or more teeth sit behind them
- Posterior crossbite — Where the back teeth are in crossbite and the upper teeth sit inside of the bottom teeth.
Causes & Effects of Crossbite
Crossbite can be caused by:
- Genetic factors
- Abnormal eruption of teeth in childhood
- Bad habits such as thumb sucking that cause teeth to be pushed out of place.
Crossbite can affect the position of the jaw and cause facial growth problems in children and teens. Left untreated, this can lead to problems with chewing, speaking, chipping and breakage of the teeth, and even problems with breathing. It is critical to treat these issues early on when it’s easier to adjust the palate and other mouth tissues.
Treatment Plans
To treat orthodontic malocclusion like crossbite, mild cases can sometimes be addressed with clear aligners. For more severe cases, traditional metal braces will be used. In very severe cases, jaw surgery may be needed to correct the problem.
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The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to orthodontics, feel free to contact White Orthodontics, with a convenient orthodontic office for braces or Invisalign in Richmond, VA, by clicking here or by calling 804.715.1998.