Crossbite 101: what it is and how your orthodontist can correct it

You probably have heard of an overbite. You may have even heard of an underbite. But have you heard of a crossbite? They are more common than you may know, and they can cause a variety of dental issues, from jaw pain to excessive tooth wear. At Hodges Orthodontics, we know all about crossbites and how to fix them. Our treatments with braces or Invisalign® can alleviate your pain and make chewing easier.

Let’s start by explaining what a crossbite is and how we can fix it.

What is a crossbite?

The best place to start is with a bit of Crossbite 101. A crossbite is when one or more of your teeth on the lower jaw sit outside or directly underneath your upper teeth. Properly aligned teeth have the upper teeth sitting just outside the lower ones.

There are two types of crossbites: anterior and posterior. With an anterior crossbite, the front lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when the jaw is at rest. A posterior crossbite has the back lower teeth sitting outside the back upper teeth when the jaw is at rest.

It is possible to have one or the other of these, or both, at the same time. This can also occur with one tooth or several teeth.

Why fix a crossbite?

You may think it’s no big deal to have a crossbite. It may seem that way at first, but crossbites can cause a host of issues over time. Some can prove to be painful or even costly to fix. That’s why it’s best to fix a crossbite early, to avoid pain and more expense later.

Crossbites can lead to:

What can you fix with a crossbite?

You have other dental issues, too, and those issues also need to be fixed. Otherwise, your oral health could continue to deteriorate.

Straightening your teeth with orthodontic treatment can include correcting:

  • Overbite — The upper jaw sits forward of the lower jaw by a significant amount.
  • Underbite — The lower jaw sits forward of the upper jaw.
  • Deep bite — Similar to an overbite, but with a much more significant position forward of your lower teeth.
  • Gap teeth — A significant space exists between two or more teeth.
  • Crowded teeth — Teeth are out of place because they lack the space to sit straight along your jaw.

Most of these cases can be treated with braces or Invisalign. Some of the most severe cases do better with braces only because they can be adapted for teeth that are far out of place, such as embedded teeth or high canines. We’ll let you know which is best for you after your free evaluation.

How is a crossbite fixed?

Crossbites are fixable, even the most severe ones. Our Damon Braces, Damon Clear Braces, and Invisalign clear aligners can repair your crossbite and alleviate your pain and jaw discomfort before it becomes a major issue.

If you live in the Tupelo, MS, or Pontotoc, MS, areas, you can schedule an appointment with Hodges Orthodontics. We will provide a complimentary, no-obligation examination to determine the best way to treat your crossbite. In many cases, you will have the treatment options of braces, clear braces, or Invisalign. Some of the more severe cases will need to be corrected with braces.

Our treatment options can correct your crossbite and any other orthodontic issues you may have. Often, patients have more than one problem, such as a crossbite with an overbite, underbite, or gapped teeth. Many issues can be fixed with Invisalign, but the most severe cases can be repaired with our Damon Braces or Damon Clear Braces.

So if you’re ready to ditch that crossbite, give us a call! We’re ready to help you!