Cross bite
Crossbite or inverted bite is a very frequent pathology; which has come to be located according to statistics, between 5 and 30% of the population with dental problems.
What is cross bite?
This pathology is one of the most common types of malocclusion, but which in turn has multiple variations within its own classification.
Basically it occurs when when biting, the lower teeth close in front of the upper ones; a problem that is established in childhood and not in adulthood.
There are several causes or factors related to crossbite; among them the genetic influence of parents, bad habits such as thumb sucking, placing the tongue in inappropriate positions or mouth breathing.
Causes of cross bite
Unquestionably, there are several causes for this alteration, which is also one of the most common in the field of orthodontics:
Premature loss of teeth that causes the displacement of other teeth close to the missing one.
Skeletal problems, in which case it did not complete the development of the maxilla, the bone is narrower or the teeth are larger in proportion to it.
Bad habits that displace the teeth from their natural position; between them pushing with the tongue or sucking the thumb.
Functional problems, among which an inadequate posture of the jaw stands out.
The sum of several alterations mentioned above.
Types of cross bite
According to its origin, the crossbite is classified as follows:
Bone origin: There is talk of crossbite of bone origin, when the upper jaw does not develop properly; that is to say that, even when the teeth do not present alterations in relation to their bone position, the upper maxilla is narrower than the mandible.
Dental origin: It refers to cases in which the alteration occurs exclusively in the teeth and both the maxillary bone and the mandible show normal growth.
Mixed Origin: In this classification both factors are given; on the one hand, bone malformation, and on the other, incorrect growth of the teeth.
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Classification of crossbites
There are several types of crossbite that are classified according to the specific area where it develops. That said, we find the following:
anterior cross bite
It occurs when the condition occurs in the front of the oral cavity; that is, it affects the front area of the mouth.
Posterior cross bite
On the other hand, posterior crossbite occurs at the rear of the oral cavity; affecting the teeth located back in the mouth.
Unilateral cross bite
Unilateral cross bite is present on only one side of the mouth, and it is common for this alteration in the growth of the jaw to produce asymmetries in the face and pain due to disorders in the temporomandibular joint.
Bilateral crossbite
Finally, bilateral crossbite affects both sides of the jaw; which implies that the upper teeth are almost entirely turned towards the interior of the oral cavity.
Cross bite treatment
The circuit breaker is an orthodontic device used for the treatment of these cases in children. Basically, this implement is responsible for expanding the maxilla when it is the cause of the problem; which in adults should be treated with orthognathic surgery.
In fact, in these cases the device works progressively for a couple of months until it reaches the required amplitude, which is then set for 3 more months.
Similarly, headgear is another alternative available for children and adolescents; since they are in charge of adjusting the maxillary growth at a stage in which it is still possible to do so.
On the other hand, braces continue to be an option for patients of all ages; in which case they take care of performing the dental alignment that allows correcting the crossbite when its causes are of dental origin.
At the same time, extractions are also an important resource when space is needed to be able to perform the required dental movements; but obviously it is something that is carried out after analysis by the specialist, who will try to preserve each tooth as much as possible.
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Treatment for posterior crossbite in adults
In particular, if a patient presents with a mild posterior crossbite, it is possible to treat it with invisible aligners together with orthodontic buttons and elastics. This treatment works best when only one tooth is misaligned.
Part of the treatment for crossbite focuses on the use of metal brackets; however, these types of problems can now be treated discreetly with Invisalign.
In fact, the possibility that Invisalign corrects the crossbite is high; but it will always be conditioned to the type and seriousness of the case.
Finally, corrective or orthognathic surgery is the only option for severe cases in adults; in which it is not possible to correct the bone that has already reached its maximum point of development and it is necessary to consult with the maxillofacial surgeon.
Unilateral crossbite treatment
For this type of correction, a mechanism that is precise and efficient enough to help move the teeth in a predictable manner is used. In this case, Invisalign relies on the action of the invisible aligners.
In addition to comfort, aesthetics and hygiene, this system offers an interaction with the attachments that allows excellent control of the applied forces; sometimes combining the use of aligners with intermaxillary elastics (rubber bands).
Treatment for anterior cross bite
If treating an anterior crossbite that affects only one tooth, clear aligners can solve the problem without major setbacks.
On the contrary, when it comes to several crossed teeth, the treatment becomes more complex and, like the previous case, the use of orthodontic gums and possibly some dental extractions must be resorted to.
How do you know if you have a cross bite?
Obviously, there is no test that you can do at home to find out if you have a crossbite, but if you have doubts and want a reliable diagnosis; You must request an appointment to see a specialist.
Once in the office, the dentist will carry out the corresponding examination and apply all the necessary diagnostic tests to identify your type of malocclusion, if there is one.
Consequences of not treating crossbite
This type of problem must be treated as soon as it is detected, since as time goes by it can affect the development and normal growth of the facial structure; generating asymmetry in the face that alters the aesthetics of the patient and propitiating the appearance of other dental and/or functional problems in the future.
In this sense, some of the irreversible consequences of this problem are:
Asymmetric jaw growth
Collapse of teeth due to application of incorrect forces
Unfavorable aesthetic conditions
Adverse wear of occlusion
Difficulty biting
That is why this problem must be addressed immediately as soon as it is diagnosed, since in this way it is possible to carry out a much faster, more efficient and simpler treatment.
FAQs
Given the questions about crossbite, below we share the most frequently asked questions among the population.
What is the cause of the cross bite?
There are several causes that can cause this type of malocclusion; from those related to growth and heredity, to those caused by bad habits such as mouth breathing, playing with the tongue or mispositioning it in the mouth, and the one that affects most children: finger sucking.
What is the most effective treatment for crossbite?
First of all, it is important to go to the dentist with patients under 11 years of age, so that the treatment of crossbite is much easier.
The correction intended for children begins with an expander device. This is anchored to the palate and progressively dilates it through a key.
In the case of adolescents and adults, the method is very different. Depending on the degree of malocclusion, permanent or removable appliances may be used, or surgery may need to be scheduled.
Who treats crossbite, dentist or orthodontist?
All dental pathologies are treated more easily and effectively during childhood, when maxillary malleability allows it.
That is why the dentist advises taking children for the first time to an orthodontic consultation, from the age of 6.
When is it too late to treat crossbite?
Undoubtedly, cases of crossbite in adults are much more complex, because the growth of the facial bones has been completed.
Therefore, the orthodontist must assess the degree of malocclusion and the consequences that this may have on the patient.
By studying each case, the specialist determines which is the best treatment to correct it; but this varies in time and money, depending on its degree of complexity.
If you want more information regarding crossbite, contact us and request an appointment for your next consultation.