Misaligned jaw growth is just one potential symptom of a crossbite, which is why it is so important to get this abnormality fixed by an orthodontist as soon as possible. Derek M. Busciglio, D.M.D., runs Busciglio Orthodontics, serving the Brandon, Florida, and Plant City, Florida areas, and talks here about how crossbites are fixed.
A crossbite is when one or all of the upper teeth are inside the lower teeth when they bite. Basically, the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which may cause tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth.
That occurs developmentally most of the time. It happens due to crowding of the dental arches, or the jawbones. Many times it is simply the result of crowding, in that the teeth are too large for the amount of bone available.
Appliances Can Help
To correct a crossbite, we use several types of appliances. Most of the time it’s expansion, so we expand the upper teeth to push the upper teeth outside of the lower teeth. Sometimes the appliance can be a retainer. Most of the time it is something fixed in place, and it is cemented in the mouth and cannot be taken out. Usually that takes five to six months.
A crossbite needs to be corrected most commonly because skeletal asymmetry can develop, which can make the lower jaw can grow off to one side. Once that happens, the bone itself will become asymmetrical, and eventually the face and the appearance of the face would appear asymmetrical as well.
Crossbites also need correction because they can lead to TMJ, or what is officially known as temporomandibular joint problems, and can cause problems chewing and cleaning the teeth.
Not Painful
What we typically do is we see a patient every six weeks during the expansion phase. It depends what type of appliance we use. Some are self-activated as far as tightening is concerned, some require turning a screw on a daily basis. It’s not really painful. It sounds bad but it’s not. It’s such a slow process it doesn’t hurt, all you feel is little pressure.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
