A crossbite refers to an abnormal bite alignment where the upper and lower teeth incorrectly mesh together left-to-right resulting in disordered occlusion. This common condition has several forms and causes, ranging from dental positioning to skeletal jaw mismatches. Thankfully various orthodontic treatments can successfully realign crowded, twisted or uneven bites for better comfort and facial symmetry.
Several classifications of crossbite exist based on positioning:
The upper back molar and premolar teeth bite inside the lower teeth. Chewing unduly strains one side.
Only the upper front incisors and cuspids incorrectly overlap completely over the lower front counterparts. Often accompanies crowding.
A functional shift occurring only on one side of the bite with back top teeth crossing inside the lower. Head tilting can accommodate uneven closure.
Both right and left back sides of the upper arch bite inside the lower full molar width abnormally. Impedes effective chewing.
Upper front and side teeth overlap completely over the lower teeth width, a version of complete malocclusion mismatch.
The most overt symptom involves uneven bite alignment between the arches. Further issues arising over years may include:
Left untreated for too long, crossbite worsen - accelerating asymmetric growth patterns between sides resulting in stunted oral functionality.
While crossbite often arise from a combination of influences, main causes centre on:
Inheriting mismatched jaw dimensions passed down through lineage resulting in uneven fit between the upper and lower arches.
Delivery injuries, sports impacts or blows to the face region can shift jaw alignment resulting in asymmetric growth.
Chronic tongue thrusting, thumb sucking or nail biting beyond age 6 can displace erupting upper vs. lower permanent teeth.
Congenital cleft lip and palate can restrict maxilla development allowing mandible overclosure.
Most crossbite require proactive intervention to overcome exponential decline of function, facial symmetry and dental arch stability when left unaddressed.
Contouring down overlapping edges or building up thinner sides.
Fixed upper molar braces push entire arch outward.
Widens upper jaw while guiding lower anterior forward.
Clear aligner trays apply specific pressures long term to correct positioning.
Light consistent orthodontic wire pressures individualize movement.
Redirects growth or enhances chewing leverage long term.
Repositioning misaligned jaw segments restores symmetry.
Minor Dental Crossbite Correction - £800 to £1500
Fixed or Removable Appliance Therapy - £2000 to £3500
Full Braces Treatment - £3000 to £5500
Surgical Jaw Repositioning - £9000 to £15000
Seeing an orthodontist at first signs allows custom early intervention to reorient bite alignment relatively easily before disproportionate facial growth patterns or dental compensations set in and complicate correction efforts requiring more invasive treatments. Consult reputable Bayswater Dental Clinic for thorough exams determining appropriate cross bite treatment options.
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