What is a Crossbite?
In children and adults, a crossbite is a common misalignment of the teeth that causes the jaw to shift to one side or makes the face look uneven. It’s easily recognisable for its effect on the teeth, preventing them from lining up correctly. The good news is that with early intervention and effective treatment, a crossbite can be corrected.
In Summary
- A crossbite is when upper and lower teeth don’t align correctly side-to-side.
- It’s caused by factors like genetics, inherited jaw structure and habits like thumb sucking.
- The ideal age for treatment in children is between 7 and 10 years old.
- Potential treatment includes braces, Invisalign and palate expanders.
- Orthodontics at Parramatta can guide your diagnosis, treatment options and entire smile journey.
What is a crossbite?
A crossbite is a type of dental misalignment that occurs when upper and lower teeth don’t align side-to-side, with the lower teeth sitting outside the upper teeth (or vice versa) when biting down.
Anterior vs posterior crossbite
There are two types of crossbite:
- Anterior: the crossbite occurs at the front of the mouth. The upper front teeth bite behind the lower front teeth.
- Posterior: the crossbite occurs at the back of the mouth. The upper back teeth sit inside the lower back teeth.
In some cases, the misalignment affects both sides of the mouth. This is known as a bilateral crossbite.
What causes a crossbite?
Although it is difficult to determine the exact origin of crossbite, you can explore a number of causes in both children and adults.
In children:
- Genetics and inherited jaw structure
- Thumb sucking
- Delayed loss of baby teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Tongue-thrusting habits when swallowing
In adults:
- Untreated childhood crossbite
- Missing teeth
- Trauma or injury to the face or jaw
- Teeth too large for the jaw
- Cleft lip and palate
Signs you may have a crossbite
For effective crossbite treatment, it’s helpful to understand the signs to look out for – either in your child or yourself.
- The jaw shifting to one side
- Uneven tooth wear
- Facial asymmetry
- Difficult chewing
- Jaw pain
If you notice any of these signs, you can book a consultation with an orthodontist to further identify the crossbite and explore potential treatments.
Why treating a crossbite matters
Early intervention makes it easier to resolve a crossbite with effective treatment. Without orthodontic intervention, there may be long-term side effects including:
- Jaw asymmetry worsening over time as the jaw is forced to shift sideways
- TMJ disorders including jaw pain, neck aches and tension headaches caused by chronic strain
- Uneven wear where the teeth grind against each other incorrectly
- Gum recession as abnormal pressure inflames the gums
How is a crossbite corrected?
If you are diagnosed with a crossbite, there are plenty of treatment pathways for you to choose from. Your orthodontist will assess your bite at your first visit and advise on the best treatment for your individual case. In children, early intervention allows for optimal results, because their jaw is still growing and is more malleable to treatment.
Braces
For more severe cases in both children and adults, metal or ceramic braces can offer effective misalignment treatment. The fixed bracket braces provide tooth and bite adjustments.
Invisalign
For most mild to moderate cases, particularly in adults, Invisalign is a discreet and effective way to treat a crossbite. The clear, removable aligners work over time to gradually correct alignment.
Palate Expanders
In children, a palate expander is a popular choice for early intervention with a crossbite. It widens a narrow upper jaw so that the teeth gradually realign to fit together correctly.
Book Your Consultation With Us Today
At Orthodontics at Parramatta, our team of compassionate specialists can offer guidance to help you find the right treatment plan for your needs. Book an appointment online, or call 02 7803 7803 to discuss your treatment options with us.
FAQs
A crossbite is a side-to-side misalignment, while an underbite is a front-to-back misalignment where the lower jaw and front teeth protrude past the upper front teeth.
Yes, in many cases Invisalign can successfully treat a crossbite if the case is mild to moderate. For more severe or skeletal cases, patients may be advised to combine treatments for effective correction.
Crossbite correction can often take anywhere from 6 months to 3+ years. However, treatment times vary depending on the severity of the bite issue and patient age, as determined during your consultation.
Yes, if left untreated, it’s possible for a crossbite to worsen over time due to continual shifting of the teeth.
For effective, long-term correction, a crossbite should be treated as soon as it’s detected. If a crossbite is identified in children, then the best time to treat it is between 7-10 years of age. At this stage, children’s jawbones are still growing and malleable, making them more receptive to corrective treatments.
An untreated crossbite can trigger a number of health complications, including:
- Jaw grinding
- Cosmetic concerns
- Teeth loss
- Receding gum line
- Jaw discomfort
We recommend treating a crossbite as soon as it’s identified to ensure effective, long-term treatment.
Yes, if left untreated, a crossbite can cause jaw pain. This is because your jaw muscles must strain to compensate for an uneven bite, leading to fatigue and soreness.
