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Crossbite is a dental condition where teeth are misaligned, causing discomfort, pain, and difficulty eating or speaking. It is hereditary or caused by damaged teeth, and can be corrected with braces or surgery. Treatment is easier and quicker in children than adults.
Crossbite is a term used in dentistry to describe a condition in which an individual’s teeth are misaligned. Specifically, it refers to conditions in which one or more teeth are positioned closer to the cheeks than the corresponding teeth in the upper or lower part of the mouth. A crossbite can also be referred to as a malocclusion of the teeth. Minor cases of tooth misalignment are very common; few people have truly perfect teeth. In some cases, however, tooth misalignment, such as with braces or retainers, needs to be treated to prevent discomfort, pain, or difficulty speaking or eating.
A crossbite is more likely to be identified during routine checkups at the dentist’s office in one’s youth. In general, teeth alignment problems are hereditary and easy to identify from an early age. However, there are several possible non-hereditary causes of crossbite. Some individuals have damaged or impacted teeth that can affect the alignment of their bite. In other cases, dental treatment devices such as braces, crowns, or retainers are placed improperly, resulting in misalignment of the teeth.
When a crossbite goes unidentified during routine dentist appointments, there are several symptoms that suggest the presence of a tooth alignment problem. In many cases, one can actually see the misalignment just by examining one’s teeth in the mirror. Discomfort or pain while biting, especially while eating, can also be indicative of a crossbite. In particularly serious cases, even an abnormal appearance of the face or difficulty speaking correctly can indicate the presence of a misalignment of the teeth.
Those who need treatment for a misaligned tooth generally seek help from an orthodontist. Braces, retainers, or other dental appliances are commonly used to move teeth into a better position. In severe cases, oral surgery may be needed to repair a severe jaw misalignment. A crossbite may not cause any immediate pain, but it can cause later problems such as tooth decay because the altered structure of the teeth can make proper dental hygiene difficult. Crossbites can also place great strain on the joints that make up the mouth and jaw.
It is generally ideal for correcting any tooth alignment problems, including crossbite, when you are young. Babies have softer bones and more mobile teeth, so they can be moved to better positions with relative ease. Treatment often lasts less than two years; sometimes, it can actually last as little as six months. Treating tooth misalignment in adults is possible and usually successful, but tends to take much longer.
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