A crossbite is a malocclusion (bite problem) where the top teeth and bottom teeth do not come together or bite in the correct position; they’re closer to the cheek or tongue, rather than their ideal position.
A crossbite can prevent jaws from closing properly, making it difficult to eat and speak. Living with a crossbite is even likely to leave one with lasting psychological effects that may cause a person to lose their confidence.
Getting treated for this condition is crucial because if you don’t, it can lead to the improper growth of the jaw, eventually resulting in one side of the jaw growing larger. Crossbites can be linked to a narrow upper jaw and palate which can also cause bite and breathing issues. If not treated, crossbites not only impact the aesthetics and affect your smile but also lead to dangerous dental complexities.
How Do I Know If I Have A Crossbite?
Well, if you suspect the presence of a crossbite, it’s critical that you visit your dentist, they should be able to identify if you do or not. Here are a few indications of the presence of a crossbite:
- Pain in the jaw
- Having a lisp or speech impediment
- Pain in the inner cheek and tongue due to biting
- Rows of teeth don’t touch each other
- Pain in one or multiple teeth
- Severe headache
More Effects Of Crossbites
A crossbite isn’t just a cosmetic problem. For adults, an ongoing crossbite can cause other symptoms. These symptoms may include:
- pain in your jaw or teeth
- tooth decay
- sleep apnea
- temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- frequent headaches
- difficulty speaking or forming certain sounds
- pain in your jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles
Treatment For Crossbites
Visiting a dentist in your area should be your main priority when you suffer from a crossbite. Crossbites can occur at any age, and it is important to know that there are a few reliable and effective treatment options that can treat your crossbite. These include:
Tooth Extraction: If there’s only a single tooth that’s misaligned due to overcrowding then tooth extraction can be done.
Braces or Invisalign: Braces or even Invisalign can be used to correct this condition. While braces tend to work slowly, they have proven to be beneficial and range in price from around $3000 to $8000.
Jaw Surgery: In the most severe cases, jaw (orthognathic) surgery is used to treat underbites, overbites, crossbites, and advanced sleep apnea. During the procedure, an oral surgeon strategically moves the upper and lower jaws forward.
Conclusion
If you know you have a crossbite or suspect one, you should never ignore it and you must take action, starting by contacting your dentist to avoid further damage to the jaws and other teeth.
If you reside in the St. Catherines area, give Dr. Vlahos a call at (905) 937-4673 to schedule an appointment and begin treatment for your crossbite. The sooner the better!