Crossbite
Among the types of malocclusions that exist, crossbite is one of the most common among the population.
The ideal time to treat it and avoid future jaw problems is during the growth stage, around the age of 6.
Also known as reverse bite, it causes serious discomfort when eating and biting, as well as damage to the teeth and gums.
If you want to know how it is possible to address this problem through orthodontics, as well as how it is detected, read on.
What is crossbite?
We speak of crossbite when there is an incorrect relationship between the maxillary bones (maxilla and mandible) and/or the fit of the teeth.
This improper occlusion causes the upper teeth to fall behind the lower teeth.
People with crossbite are also characterized by a narrow or ogival palate, i.e. with a bone structure that needs to be widened.
Crossbite: consequences
Among the main problems caused by an inverted bite, we can highlight the difficulty in biting, since the teeth do not receive the forces adequately.
As a result, the adjacent teeth and surrounding gums are susceptible to damage.
Malocclusion
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CROSSBITE
How many types of crossbite are there?
There is not a single type of crooked bite, but we can make a classification according to the oral sector where the incorrect development occurs:
Anterior crossbite: affects the front of the mouth.
Posterior crossbite: occurs in the back of the oral cavity.
Unilateral crossbite: affects only one side of the mouth (right or left).
In this case, it is common that this alteration in the growth of the jaw causes asymmetries in the face, as well as pain in the mouth joint.
Bilateral crossbite: occurs on both sides of the jaw.
But it is also possible to categorize this type of malocclusion according to its origin: in the growth of the bones or in the teeth.
Skeletal origin: the upper jaw has not developed properly and is smaller than the mandible.
Dental crossbite: the bones have grown correctly, but the teeth have an inadequate position.
Mixed inverted bite: neither the bones have had a proportionate growth, nor the teeth have erupted correctly.
Some childhood habits such as thumb sucking, improper tongue position or mouth breathing can cause crossbite.
What are the causes of crossbite?
As explained above, crossbite can occur for a variety of reasons.
It may be that the bone development has not been adequate, but also because the teeth of both arches do not contact or occlude as they should.
Although it is sometimes difficult to determine the specific origin of this type of malocclusion, alterations during the growth of bones and teeth can be due to different factors:
Genetic influence.
The genetic component always plays a fundamental role in the development of people at all levels and, of course, also influences oral health.
Counterproductive habits
In the same way, our lifestyle and habits come to cause a modification in growth.
These bad dental habits can occur during childhood or in adulthood, but when we talk about the inverted bite there are several habits that should be avoided.
Examples of these are thumb sucking in infants, tongue placement in inappropriate positions – which can also lead to atypical swallowing – or mouth breathing.
First appointment with the orthodontist
It is best to take children to the orthodontist for the first time when they are 6 years old. Any malocclusion at this age is easier, quicker and cheaper to fix.
What is the best age to treat an inverted bite?
This and all malocclusions are most easily and effectively treated during childhood, when jaw development is not yet complete.
For this reason, dentists always advise taking children to the orthodontist for the first time when they are about 6 years old.
However, if we detect any anomaly in growth or if we see that the counterproductive habits we have mentioned are recurrent, it is advisable to visit the orthodontist earlier.
Causes of crossbite
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CLINICAL ASSISTANT
Treatment for crossbite
The professional to whom we should go to diagnose this malocclusion is an orthodontist.
Treatment varies depending on the stage at which it is detected.
During the growing age
It is advisable for crossbite in children to be detected when the growth phase is in progress, approximately between the ages of 6 and 12.
In these cases, the solution to the problem involves interceptive orthodontic treatment.
This is a type of appliance whose objective is to guide the correct growth of the mandibular and maxillary bone bases.
Specifically, cases of crossbite in children are usually treated with the McNamara disjunctor, also called a two-band disjunctor.
Its mission is to expand the upper jaw and widen the palate.
During growth, making these changes can be considered relatively easy, since the bones of the face are still forming.
Therefore, if we exert certain forces on them, we can guide their growth and avoid alterations that would be more complicated to correct with the passage of time.
Treatment for crossbite
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MCNAMARA DISJUNCTOR
In adolescents and adults
On the other hand, the situation is radically different if we are dealing with a case of crooked bite in adults.
Once the growth of the facial bones is complete, it is no longer possible to “mold” them.
For this reason, it is essential for the orthodontist to evaluate the degree of crossbite and the consequences it has had for each patient.
After studying each case individually, we proceed to determine the best treatment to correct the malocclusion.
WE CORRECT CROSSBITE
Fixed or removable orthodontics
If the origin of the crossbite is dental, it is possible to address the problem through orthodontic appliances.
The patient can choose between different types of orthodontics: traditional metal brackets, but also more discreet options, such as sapphire or lingual brackets.
There is also the option of treatment with Invisalign clear aligners.
Orthodontics + orthognathic surgery
However, there are very severe cases that require a different approach.
We are talking about people with a large mandibular deviation or with a narrow palate that prevents them from eating and swallowing normally.
In these situations, orthodontics should be combined with orthognathic surgery.
Through this intervention, it is possible to act on the maxillary bones in order to modify their size and position so that the face has a harmonious structure.
All this has a positive impact on the aesthetics and functionality of the smile and face.
The negative point of this treatment combined with maxillofacial surgery is that it is more complex, longer and more expensive than simple orthodontics.
In addition, we advise you to choose a professional specialized in this type of problem.
At DrAW Dental Clinic, Dr. Daniel Hernández is the expert in planning treatments that require orthognathic surgery.
If you wish, you can go for an initial consultation with our team of orthodontists if you suspect that you or your child has a crossbite.
If you do not have this type of malocclusion, you will have obtained a free diagnosis.
However, if you do have a case of malocclusion, we can begin to treat it as soon as possible so that the problems do not worsen over time.
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