Crossbite is a condition in which the two jaws do not achieve a certain correlation to ensure normal chewing function and is caused by many different reasons. To completely treat this condition, the doctor needs to examine carefully to find the specific cause and then prescribe an appropriate treatment plan to ensure safety as well as the final treatment results.
1. What is a crossbite?
A crossbite is a misalignment of the teeth when the teeth on the jaw are not straight but are divided into many groups that are crooked and crowded together. This breaks the complete symmetry of the upper and lower jaws, and causes a harmonious balance of all the teeth on the jaw.
Although the two jaws are not symmetrical, the crossbite is rarely expressed on the outside. When looking from the outside, it is very difficult to recognize whether a person has a crossbite or not, but in general, their smile will be unnatural and less aesthetic.
What is the effect of raising the bite in braces?
2. Characteristics of crossbite
Crossbite can be recognized through the following characteristics:
2.1. Divided into many groups of misaligned teeth
- On the same jaw, the teeth can be divided into many different groups of misaligned teeth, the group that protrudes, the group that retracts, very unbalanced, it is impossible to distinguish between protruding or receding teeth.
- There are also cases where the teeth are outside the teeth and inside the teeth, it is impossible to distinguish whether the upper jaw teeth are outside or inside the lower jaw.
2.2. Asymmetry of the two jaws
- This condition occurs with both jaws as a whole and when considering each group of teeth, each tooth and tooth gap.
- The upper and lower incisors are misaligned, the line connecting the tip of the nose through the 2 incisors and 2 jaws down to the center of the chin does not form a straight line but is bent at the incisor gap. Through this straight line, the teeth on the same jaw are symmetrical to each other and there is a balance between the two jaws from the tooth position to the gap between the teeth.
3. Causes of crossbite
Some causes of crossbite include:
Genetics: If grandparents, parents, or relatives have crossbites, it is likely that their children and family members will also have the same condition.
- Because when permanent teeth grow, baby teeth do not fall out, causing permanent teeth to grow in the wrong position behind them.
- Due to abnormal jaw bone development, such as underdeveloped upper jaw or overdeveloped lower jaw.
- Due to long-term bad habits such as biting the upper lip, sucking fingers, pushing the tongue, using baby bottles or nipples for a long time
4. What are the effects of crossbite?
Crossbite can cause some serious effects as follows:
4.1. Affects aesthetics
Crooked, uneven teeth will make the face lose its harmony as well as its inherent aesthetics. At the same time, if this condition is not corrected, it can cause the face to become crooked and the chin to become crooked. This makes many people feel self-conscious when communicating every day, losing many opportunities in work and life.
4.2. Difficulty in chewing
In addition, the asymmetry of the two jaws can make the chewing process difficult because the force is not evenly distributed on the teeth. At this time, the patient needs to use more force to bite and chew than usual to crush food, which can make the teeth weaker and more sensitive over time.
4.3. Increased risk of other oral diseases
Oral hygiene for people with crossbites is quite difficult because the teeth grow crowded together, creating small, narrow gaps that a toothbrush cannot reach. Over time, bacteria in food particles will grow and attack the gums and teeth, causing other serious oral diseases.
5. How to fix crossbites?
The doctor may prescribe one of the following measures to treat deep bites:
5.1. Orthodontic braces
If crossbites are caused by crooked, misaligned teeth, braces are considered the best option. With this method, the doctor will attach specialized orthodontic appliances such as archwire systems, brackets or clear aligners to the teeth to create a tightening force to help the teeth move to the correct position on the jaw.
The time to complete a braces case usually lasts from 1.5 – 2 years depending on the degree of misalignment of the teeth and the type of braces the customer chooses. In addition, if early intervention is performed between the ages of 12 – 18, the braces time will be shortened because the teeth and jawbones are not really strong at this time.
Currently, dental clinics offer a variety of braces methods such as: metal braces, ceramic braces, self-ligating braces or Invisalign clear braces. In particular, traditional braces have the advantage of providing orthodontic results in a short time, while Invisalign clear braces can ensure aesthetics throughout the treatment process.
5.2. Jaw surgery
In cases where crossbite is caused by abnormal jaw bone development, the doctor will prescribe jaw surgery. This method is only applied to patients over 18 years old because the jaw bone needs to be fully developed.
Jaw surgery lasts about 2 – 6 hours depending on the complexity of the case and the patient can be discharged from the hospital after only 1 – 2 days.
However, to fully recover the ability to chew, it takes about 3 – 6 months, during which time the patient needs to return for a check-up according to the scheduled appointment so that the doctor can observe the recovery process.
5.3. Combining braces and jaw surgery
If the crossbite is caused by both bones and teeth, it is necessary to combine both braces and jaw surgery to achieve the best results. Whether to perform braces or surgery first will be indicated by the doctor after a thorough examination to ensure high efficiency.
6. BIK International Dental Clinic – A reputable dental address for crossbite correction
BIK International Dental Clinic is proud to be one of the most reputable dental addresses on the market by meeting all of the following criteria:
6.1. Team of good doctors
When choosing braces at BIK International Dental Clinic, customers will be directly examined, consulted and treated by good doctors, highly skilled and have been trained in the field of maxillofacial surgery. With many years of experience and dedication to the profession, doctors at BIK International Dental Clinic ensure the best treatment results, while finding optimal solutions to shorten treatment time.
6.2. Equipped with modern technology and machinery
All facilities of BIK International Dental Clinic are equipped with modern machinery and technology to support the cross bite treatment process to take place smoothly and without causing pain to customers.
So, although cross bite is difficult to detect, it still has its own characteristics to recognize. All crossbite treatment options such as braces or jaw surgery are complex techniques that require high level of expertise from the doctor, so choosing a reputable, quality dental clinic is extremely important to ensure safety.
