What Is a Crossbite? Fort Collins Orthodontic Experts Explain
A crossbite is a common dental misalignment that occurs when some of your upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth when your mouth is closed. This condition doesn’t typically resolve on its own and can affect front teeth (anterior crossbite), back teeth (posterior crossbite), or both simultaneously. At Taft Hill Orthodontics, we understand that untreated crossbites can lead to serious oral health complications and affect your quality of life.
Proper tooth alignment, known as occlusion, is essential for overall oral health. When teeth don’t fit together correctly, it can cause multiple issues affecting both function and appearance. Dr. Hardy and Dr. Peterson specialize in diagnosing and treating crossbites using the latest orthodontic technologies and personalized care approaches.
What Causes Crossbites? Understanding the Root of the Problem
Crossbites develop for several reasons, with the most common being:
- Genetic factors – Often, crossbites run in families and are inherited from parents or close relatives
- Jaw development issues – When the upper jaw develops too narrowly compared to the lower jaw
- Prolonged childhood habits, including:
- Thumb sucking
- Extended pacifier use
- Nail biting
- Improper chewing patterns
- Delayed loss of primary teeth – When baby teeth don’t fall out on schedule
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids – These can affect breathing and jaw positioning
During your initial consultation, our team will take comprehensive X-rays to determine the specific cause of your crossbite. This detailed diagnosis allows us to develop a targeted treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Types of Crossbites: Anterior vs. Posterior
Understanding the specific type of crossbite you have is crucial for effective treatment:
Anterior Crossbite
An anterior crossbite affects the front teeth, with upper incisors positioned behind the lower front teeth. Approximately 4-5% of children experience this type of misalignment, which can impact speech and front tooth function.
Posterior Crossbite
Posterior crossbites involve the back teeth (molars and premolars) and are more common, affecting about 16% of children. This type often causes pain and discomfort when chewing and can lead to asymmetrical jaw development if left untreated.
Unilateral vs. Bilateral Crossbites
Crossbites can also be classified as:
- Unilateral: Affecting only one side of the mouth
- Bilateral: Present on both sides of the jaw
Health Problems Caused by Untreated Crossbites
Without proper treatment, crossbites can lead to numerous oral health and overall wellness issues:
Oral Health Complications
- Accelerated tooth wear – Improper alignment causes excessive friction
- Increased risk of tooth decay – Misaligned teeth are harder to clean properly
- Gum disease and recession – Abnormal bite forces can damage gum tissue
- Chipping or fracturing of teeth – Due to improper bite forces
Functional Problems
- Difficulty chewing and eating – Leading to digestive issues and nutritional concerns
- Speech impediments – Particularly with anterior crossbites
- Jaw muscle strain and fatigue – Causing chronic discomfort
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD)
One of the most serious complications of untreated crossbites is TMD, which can cause:
- Chronic headaches and migraines
- Jaw pain or clicking
- Earaches
- Limited jaw movement
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Psychological Impact
- Self-consciousness about smile appearance
- Social anxiety related to dental aesthetics
- Reduced confidence in social situations
We believe in early intervention to prevent these complications. Our team at Taft Hill Orthodontics can identify the root cause of crossbites and recommend appropriate treatment options before more serious issues develop.
Effects of Cross Bites
Misaligned biting increases the risk of dental problems and bruxism. You might also experience health concerns, mental disorders, or other issues. Gum disease, tooth decay, and strain in the jaw muscles can all be caused by a misaligned bite, which can eventually lead to chronic jaw disorders and discomfort in the neck, shoulder, and back.
You must have a diagnosis as soon as possible for the correction of these type of conditions in order to prevent future oral and skeletal problems. To avoid the need for orthognathic surgery, this problem must be addressed before it worsens.
Effective Crossbite Treatment Options
Best Age for Crossbite Correction
While crossbites are ideally treated during childhood or adolescence when the jaw is still developing, adults can also achieve excellent results with the right approach. The American Dental Association recommends ensuring adequate space for tooth movement and proper expansion of the bite during treatment.
Treatment Methods for Crossbites
Palatal Expanders
- Maxillary Expander for Children – This orthodontic device attaches to the upper palate and gradually widens the upper jaw using a special adjustment key. It’s particularly effective for growing children whose palates are still developing.
- Removable Expanders for Adults – Adults can benefit from specialized removable expanders worn nightly to gradually increase upper palate width, though the process may take longer than in children.
Orthodontic Treatments
- Traditional Braces – Metal or ceramic brackets can effectively correct crossbites by gradually realigning teeth and jaws. After treatment, retainers maintain the new tooth positions.
- Clear Aligners (Invisalign®) – For less severe crossbites, Invisalign® offers a discreet alternative to traditional braces. These clear, removable aligners can effectively treat many crossbite cases with the added benefit of being nearly invisible.
Surgical Approaches
For severe adult crossbites, orthognathic (jaw) surgery may be recommended. This approach involves:
- Custom device fitting
- Strategic jaw bone modification
- Healing period with the device in place
- Dramatic expansion results not achievable with non-surgical methods
Crossbite vs. Underbite: Understanding the Difference
People often confuse crossbites with underbites, but they are distinct conditions:
Crossbite:
- Involves some upper teeth sitting inside the lower teeth
- Can affect front teeth, back teeth, or both
- May be present on one or both sides of the mouth
Underbite:
- Lower front teeth protrude beyond the upper front teeth
- Classified as a Class 3 malocclusion
- Typically affects the entire front of the mouth
- Often requires more complex treatment approaches
If you’d like to learn more, book an appointment here.