Crossbite, also known as malocclusion, refers to an abnormal condition in which the teeth do not properly align with each other in the jaw. This often leads to pain and misalignment of the jaws themselves that, over time, can lead to more serious health problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. Fortunately, it's possible to treat crossbite with several methods that reduce the discomfort and dental damage caused by this condition. Here's what you need to know about crossbite and how to treat it before it becomes more serious and problematic.
What Is Crossbite?
Crossbite is a condition where the top teeth are pushed inward, and the lower teeth are pushed outward. An improper bite creates a misalignment between the upper jaw, lower jaw, and teeth. The symptoms depend on the severity of the crossbite. Mild cases may only cause pain or discomfort when eating, while severe cases can affect breathing, speech, dental health, facial growth patterns, or sleep quality.
What Are The Symptoms Of Crossbite?
Sometimes called tooth-jutting, an overlapping of the upper teeth characterises crossbite. The condition may be present at birth or develop due to habits such as thumb-sucking, pacifier use, or tongue thrusting. Symptoms include an overgrown lower jaw, difficulty chewing certain foods such as apples, drooling, ear infections, and an increased risk for speech problems.
What are the Common causes of crossbites?
To understand crossbites, it's important to know that a misalignment of the jaw causes them. Often, this is due to improper or late tooth eruption, prolonged thumb sucking, or sleeping with your mouth open. If you're experiencing a crossbite on one side of your mouth but not the other, then it's likely that there is an issue with how your teeth are growing. This is known as an asymmetrical crossbite. Asymmetrical crossbites usually need to be treated much sooner than bilateral ones because they will only worsen over time. If you suspect a crossbite, please visit the orthodontist in Blacktown.
How Cross Bite Is Treated?
Crossbites can be corrected by surgery, but this is only an option if the child is young enough. If your child's crossbite is severe enough to warrant surgery, they will first have a consultation with a surgeon to see if they are a candidate. The type of procedure performed will depend on the severity of the crossbite. For example, if your child has just a small overlap between their upper and lower teeth, braces might be all that's needed to correct it.
Which Treatment Is The Best Option For Treating Crossbite?
Crossbites can be treated with various treatments, including braces, surgery, or both. While there are different options for crosscut treatment, each option has its pros and cons. Braces are the most cost-effective option when it comes to treatment. However, they require consistency to work effectively. Additionally, braces usually must be worn for at least a year to be effective. However, your Blacktown dentist is the right person to determine which treatment is the best option.
When to See Your Blacktown Dentist?
It is important to see your dentist as soon as you notice any symptoms of a crossbite. The earlier you catch the problem, the better it will be for your oral health. Left untreated, this condition can lead to severe consequences like tooth loss, jaw pain, headaches and difficulty chewing food. Using Microscopic Dentistry Blacktown, our dentist can suggest the best treatment option to correct your bite problems.
