A crossbite is a type of malocclusion or teeth misalignment in which the individual lacks a healthy bite, wherein the teeth don’t fit together. It is a distortion in which your upper teeth may appear to be hiding behind your lower arch when your mouth is closed or at rest, or vice versa. You have a correct bite, if the upper jaw teeth are placed slightly above the lower jaw teeth.
While this condition is similar to another misalignment-related dental condition called underbite, the main distinguishing feature is that a crossbite affects only a group of teeth while an underbite affects them all. Crossbites are categorized into two types, the anterior and posterior. A posterior crossbite refers to the group of lower teeth toward the back of your mouth fitting over the teeth in your top jaw and an anterior crossbite refers to the group of teeth in the bottom front of your mouth fitting over the teeth of your top jaw.
The cause of crossbites.
A major factor is hereditary however it is also possible for malocclusion to develop as a result of certain circumstances. A delay in falling of milk teeth, or early appearance of permanent teeth, can cause lack of room in the mouth to assume their correct position or grow properly in place, causing misalignment. A crossbite may also be the consequence of unusual jaw sizes or odd alignment. But whatever the causes maybe, crossbites can be the source of great discomfort and lead to a host of oral problems including jaw pain, receding gums, loose teeth and in the long run, result in teeth chipping, sensitivity, and uneven wear to the enamel. Let’s take a closer look into the implications of a crossbite.
It is important to recognize that a crossbite is often misperceived as a cosmetic problem. It has a serious impact upon the health of an individual, and therefore warrants timely attention and treatment. It can cause symptoms such as pain in your jaw or teeth, tooth decay. It can also cause sleep apnea which is a sleep disorder characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep. Crossbites can result in frequent headaches, pain in your jaw, neck and shoulder muscles, and temporomandibular joint disorders. It also has potential to cause speech disorder, such as in producing certain sounds or speaking clearly.
In addition, a crossbite, or any misaligned bite, can prevent our facial muscles from being engaged which causes neck strain and headaches. Facial asymmetry can also be a possible outcome, which has poor effects upon your confidence. Other issues include teeth grinding, abnormal stress on the jaw, muscle tension and in some cases, irregular face development. A misaligned bite can also escalate into a permanent deviation of the bones and skull on your face, speech impediments, and an unbalanced facial appearance.
Just like any type of malocclusion (or teeth misalignment), a crossbite is treatable. The sooner you tackle your crossbite, the lower are your chances of developing any related orthodontic or dental concerns. Dental braces, or the most recent innovation, invisible dental aligners are a great solution to crossbites. Invisalign is a leading brand which provides the clear aligner treatment. With this, you can correct your crossbite or teeth misalignment. It is advisable for children with crossbites to start the treatment early as their bones are still in the developmental stage. However, treatment is also available to adults who can fix their teeth alignment with various treatment options including orthodontic braces, expanders, and aligners. Invisalign Center in Dubai is a popular dentistry solution, who specialize in invisalign treatment. Their team of experienced and internally renowned professionals can help you resolve your dental problems.
