Crossbite: What is it, types and treatments

Crossbites is one of the most common problems that we find in our dental clinic and that manifests itself in a large part of the population.

Normally, crossbite can appear due to hereditary or genetic factors, or due to misuse of our jaw, whether at rest, eating or speaking. When it is of the hereditary type, it usually happens that the lower jaw is larger than the upper part, although this is not always the case.

In short, this happens when our dental position is incorrect, so in this article we will tell you everything you need to know about crossbites, their types and the treatments that exist.

What is cross bite

In general, the teeth of the upper arch are either anterior or external to the lower arch.

A cross bite is technically defined as an intermaxillary malocclusion, this means that the upper teeth are inside the lower arch.

Types of cross bites

Now that we know when crossbites occur, we are going to detail the three types of crossbites that exist and what is the difference between them.

The anterior crossbite refers to when the upper anterior teeth are behind the lower anterior teeth.

We also find the posterior cross bite, where the upper premolars or molars are inside the lower premolars or molars. In this type of bite we differentiate between unilateral crossbite if we only find it on one side or bilateral crossbite if we find it on both sides.

Finally, the complete crossbite is the set of the two previous bites. In it we find a bite both anteriorly and posteriorly.

Diagnosis and treatment of cross bite

Crossbites are normally diagnosed according to their origin, since we find skeletal, dental, functional and mixed crossbites. Depending on the origin it is treated in one way or another.

Skeletal crossbite occurs when there is a large size difference between the mandible and the maxilla. It usually appears when the upper part of the jaw is inserted into the lower cavity when biting, not fitting or being aligned. This can happen when this upper part has not developed as it should.

Another type of malocclusion of this type occurs when the upper and lower teeth have developed correctly but in an improper position, so that both parts collide, it is called dental crossbite.

Functional crossbite appears due to muscle or artery problems. We can detect this during the closing movement since the jaw deviates and that is when a crossbite appears.

Finally, the mixed crossbite is the set of the previous bites witnessing in some cases, some bites more than others.

In relation to the treatment of crossbites, this will depend on its origin.

If the bite is of skeletal origin, a skeletal disjunction is performed by expanding rapidly to widen the palate.

For crossbites of dental origin, it is treated with orthodontics. To do this, there are several devices that you can choose from such as aligners, brackets, removable devices or fixed devices.

When the crossbite is functional, the treatment will not be enough to correct the bite, but the function must be rehabilitated.

Depending on the type of crossbite and the age of the patient, it will be performed only by expansion or orthopedics with disjunction.

What is the relationship between crossbite and bruxism?

Bruxism is the habit that some people make involuntarily to grind their teeth. This disease has a great presence in society. This is mainly due to psychological reasons and is very common at night.

Although many other times there are other types of factors. For example, any of the types of crossbites described above can directly or indirectly cause bruxism. According to the latest studies on this matter, this oral disease is one of the main causes of bruxism in patients.

Why use braces to correct crossbite?

Braces are one of the most used treatments for many years to correct crossbites and other dental problems. Brackets are only viable for those patients with permanent dentition, that is, for those people who no longer have any milk teeth.

The treatment of metal brackets and sapphires to correct a malocclusion is usually the most economical when compared to the rest of the treatments. These aligners correct the misalignment of the teeth, although in extreme cases the treatment is insufficient.

If you want to know more about crossbites or you are thinking about undergoing a treatment, but you do not know which one, get in touch with us!

Dra. Tatiana Gallardo Jiménez

Ortodoncista especializada en estética dental, ortodoncia y endodoncia, con un amplio bagaje profesional siempre aportando el mejor tratamiento posible, donde te acompañaremos durante todo tu proceso para que te sientas cómodo y seguro.