Scissor Bite: What is the solution?
Scissor bite is one of the malocclusions that can occur if the dental and mandibular development is not adequate.
As with other types of bite problems, it is an anomaly that can cause serious problems for the person, not only aesthetically but also functionally.
Therefore, it is essential to address the scissor bite in time for the treatment to be more effective.
The ideal is to correct this malocclusion during childhood, although in adulthood it is also possible to solve it, but through surgery.
What is scissor bite?
First of all, we are going to explain when a person has a scissor bite, because with this name alone we probably do not know how to identify it correctly.
It is a malocclusion in the transversal plane of the mouth, that is, it occurs when both arches do not fit together properly.
Specifically, the cusps of the upper and lower teeth do not contact, so patients with scissor bite have many problems chewing properly.
This is because the maxilla completely covers the mandible because it is too large.
Although there are malocclusions that occur with some frequency among the population, the scissor bite is rare and is not common.
Even so, orthodontics and the treatments it encompasses make it possible to correct it and obtain functional and completely esthetic teeth.
Scissor bite can be solved by orthodontic treatment, but ideally during childhood.
Differences with other transverse malocclusions
Apart from the scissor bite, there is another malocclusion in the transverse plane that can be found more frequently in the mouths of patients.
We are referring to crossbite, which occurs if the upper arch is located inside the lower arch.
In these cases, its origin can be dental -due to the position of the teeth- or skeletal -due to the growth and development of the maxilla and mandible-.
We could roughly say that the scissor bite is the most “extreme” version of the cross bite.
In the following image, you can see graphically the difference between the two and an example of how an optimal occlusion should be.
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Cross bite and scissor bite
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SCISSOR BITE
Class I: the ideal occlusion
To clarify your doubts about what is considered the optimal bite, we will make a small description.
There is a reference or pattern by which dentists are guided to identify when a patient has a malocclusion.
This occlusion has the name of class I and is the one that allows us to satisfactorily fulfill the masticatory functions of the oral cavity.
We can identify class I if we observe that the lower tusk is located, with the denture closed, between 3 and 4 millimeters in front of the upper tusk.
The first visit
To detect any malocclusion in time, it is advisable to visit the orthodontist for the first time at the age of 6 years.
Why does a scissor bite occur?
There are a number of common factors that result in the formation of a bite problem.
Depending on the individual, it is possible to develop a scissor bite, cross bite, class II, class III, etc.
The main causes of malocclusion are:
Genetic inheritance, which mainly affects the harmonic development of the mandible and maxilla. When the size between both is not adequate, a bite problem is originated.
Childhood habits also play an important role in the formation of the mouth, such as thumb sucking or misplacing the tongue.
The lack of teeth not only damages the integrity of the dental bone, but also leads to the malposition of the adjacent teeth, since they tend to move to occupy the space.
In case the teeth do not have enough space to emerge, they will erupt in an improper position, affecting the occlusion.
A blow or fracture of the jaw can also produce a dental malocclusion.
Dental malocclusions
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INTERCEPTIVE ORTHODONTICS
Treatments to correct a scissor bite
As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, the best way to address a scissor bite is to schedule orthodontic treatment.
During childhood, usually up to the age of 11, it is possible to shape the dental and facial bones to guide them towards correct growth.
Through interceptive orthodontics, the orthodontist is able to modify the size and position of the bone structure, achieving the optimal occlusion for the patient.
However, in the case of adults the procedure becomes more complex and lengthy, since once growth is complete, we cannot change the dental bones.
In case it is necessary to intervene on the maxilla, it is necessary for the person to undergo the so-called orthognathic surgery.
Through this surgical operation, performed by a surgeon, the harmony of the bone mass is restored.
This type of procedure must always be combined with orthodontic treatment, which lasts approximately two years, although it depends on each case.
What our patients say
A large number of people have already corrected their bite problems thanks to DrAW Dental Clinic.
The specialty and attention of our team of orthodontists make the difference and, therefore, our patients do not hesitate to recommend us.
In the following gallery, you can see the opinion of people who have put themselves in our hands and can now smile like never before.
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DrAW Dental Clinic patient
Orthodontics
Payment facilities in DrAW Dental
At DrAW Dental Clinic we offer our patients very flexible and attractive payment conditions:
- Financing of 100% of the treatment ask how
- Discounts for early payment
If you would like more information on how to solve facial asymmetry, we recommend that you contact us to receive an assessment and detailed explanation from our team of orthodontists.
Call us at +1 619 372 5409 🇺🇸 +52 664 590 8321 🇲🇽 , or use the contact form on our website, and ask for your first free appointment.
We will give you a complete diagnosis and an estimate without obligation.
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- About the Author
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The distinguished Dr. Alberto Wintergerst Fisch is an specialist in Maxillofacial Surgery and has more than 15 years of experience in various prestigious institutions such as DrAW Clinic and Dental Glaf.
He trained as a Dental Surgeon at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, later he completed a specialty in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the same institution and a Master’s Degree in Health Organization Administration at La Salle University.
He is attached to the National Medical Center “20 de Noviembre” of the ISSSTE and certified by the Mexican Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Thanks to this, Dr. Wintergerst Fisch is recognized as one of the best specialists in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Mexico City and the country.
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