What is a Crossbite?
A crossbite is a type of bite problem where one or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed, rather than slightly outside them. It can affect the front teeth, the back teeth or both, and may involve the position of the teeth, the jaws or a combination of the two.
There are two main types of crossbite:
Anterior Crossbite
An anterior crossbite affects the front teeth, where one or more upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth when biting together.
Posterior Crossbite
A posterior crossbite affects the back teeth, where the upper back teeth bite inside the lower back teeth. In some cases, this can cause the jaw to shift slightly to one side when the mouth closes.
What Causes a Crossbite?
Crossbites can develop for several reasons. Genetics is one of the most common causes, influencing the way the teeth and jaws grow. In other cases, delayed tooth eruption, retained baby teeth or differences in jaw development may contribute.
Some crossbites are caused by the position of the teeth alone, while others are influenced by the size or shape of the jaws. Understanding the underlying cause helps Dr Nino recommend the most appropriate treatment.
How Can a Crossbite Affect Your Teeth and Bite?
Tooth Wear
When the teeth don’t meet properly, some teeth may be exposed to greater pressure during biting and chewing, leading to uneven wear over time.
Jaw Function
Some crossbites cause the jaw to shift slightly when biting together, which can affect the way the jaws move and function.
Gum Health
A crossbite may place excessive pressure on certain teeth, which in some cases can contribute to gum recession around the affected teeth.
Biting and Chewing
A crossbite can affect the way your teeth come together, making biting and chewing less efficient or comfortable.
Smile Appearance
Depending on which teeth are affected, a crossbite can influence the appearance of the smile and the overall alignment of the teeth.
How Is a Crossbite Treated?
Treatment depends on what’s causing the crossbite, your age and how your teeth and jaws have developed. The first step is understanding whether the problem is caused by the position of the teeth, the jaws or a combination of both.
For many patients, braces can be used to gradually move the teeth into better alignment and improve the way the bite comes together. In younger children, early orthodontic treatment may sometimes be recommended to guide jaw development while they are still growing. In more complex cases, treatment planning may involve working alongside your general dentist or other dental specialists to achieve the best long-term outcome.
Following a thorough assessment, Dr Nino will explain what’s causing the crossbite, whether treatment is recommended and the approach that’s most appropriate for your individual needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an anterior and posterior crossbite?
An anterior crossbite affects the front teeth, where one or more upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth. A posterior crossbite affects the back teeth, where the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.
Can a Crossbite Cause TMJ?
Yes, a crossbite can contribute to TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorders. The misalignment causes uneven pressure on the jaw, leading to joint stress, pain and other TMJ symptoms such as:
- Jaw pain or discomfort
- Headaches
- Difficulty chewing
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
Can braces fix a crossbite?
In many cases, yes. Braces can gradually improve the position of the teeth and the way your bite comes together. The most appropriate treatment depends on the cause and severity of the crossbite.
Can You Fix a Crossbite as an Adult?
While treatments such as braces are often applied during childhood or early adolescence when the jaws are still growing, treatment is effective at any age. Orthodontists can successfully treat crossbites in both children and adults.
Is a crossbite always obvious?
Not always. Some crossbites are easy to see, while others are only noticeable when biting down or because the jaw shifts slightly to one side. An orthodontic assessment can identify bite problems that aren’t always obvious during everyday activities.
