Everything You Need to Know About Crossbite

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.

Types of Crossbite

Several classifications of crossbite exist based on positioning:

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Posterior Lingual Crossbite

The upper back molar and premolar teeth bite inside the lower teeth. Chewing unduly strains one side.

Unilateral Posterior Crossbite

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.

Entire Arch Crossbite

Upper front and side teeth overlap completely over the lower teeth width, a version of complete malocclusion mismatch.

Anterior Dental Crossbite

Only the upper front incisors and cuspids incorrectly overlap completely over the lower front counterparts. Often accompanies crowding.

Bilateral Crossbite

Both right and left back sides of the upper arch bite inside the lower full molar width abnormally. Impedes effective chewing.

Crossbite Symptoms & Effects

The most overt symptom involves uneven bite alignment between the arches. Further issues arising over years may include:

Uneven mouth opening and closing motions
Premature contacts on one side causing chewing difficulty
Increased teeth wear and erosion on affected side
Asymmetric smiling, grimacing or speech development
Head tilt develops to augment dysfunctional bite contact
Risk of teeth fractures and temporomandibular joint disorders

Left untreated for too long, crossbite worsen - accelerating asymmetric growth patterns between sides resulting in stunted oral functionality.

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Causes of Crossbite

While crossbite often arise from a combination of influences, main causes centre on:

Genetic Predisposition

Inheriting mismatched jaw dimensions passed down through lineage resulting in uneven fit between the upper and lower arches.
Physical Trauma

Delivery injuries, sports impacts or blows to the face region can shift jaw alignment resulting in asymmetric growth.
Improper Oral Habits

Chronic tongue thrusting, thumb sucking or nail biting beyond age 6 can displace erupting upper vs. lower permanent teeth.
Cleft Conditions

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.

Crossbite Treatment Approaches

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Indirect Reshaping

Contouring down overlapping edges or building up thinner sides.

Palatal Expander

Widens upper jaw while guiding lower anterior forward.

Braces

Light consistent orthodontic wire pressures individualize movement.

Oral Surgery

Repositioning misaligned jaw segments restores symmetry.

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Quad Helix

Fixed upper molar braces push entire arch outward..

Removable Appliance

Clear aligner trays apply specific pressures long term to correct positioning.

Headgear or Herbst Appliance

Redirects growth or enhances chewing leverage long term.

How Much Costs to Fix Different crossbite?

Average Costs to Fix Different Crossbite Severities in the UK

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

Catch Crossbite Early

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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