Crossbite

At the "Kiadent" Authorial Prosthetics Dental Clinic, you can undergo detailed diagnostics and comprehensive treatment of crossbite under the care of an experienced orthodontist.

The cost of therapy in our clinics is lower than the average in Odessa.

A crossbite is a misalignment of the upper and lower teeth, where they do not properly meet.

One or several lower teeth overlap the upper ones. This condition can be caused by an abnormal jaw shape or jaw displacement.

A relatively rare issue

The occurrence of this condition varies with age: in young patients, the prevalence is 0.39–1.9% of all diagnoses, while in adults, crossbite symptoms are found in 3% of cases.

Complete list of crossbite services:

• Dentist consultation
• Removal of braces
• Retention plate
• Retention aligner
• Treatment with metal ligature braces (per month)
• Treatment with ceramic ligature braces (per month)
• Braces installation
• Complex aligner treatment — up to 32 trays

Each type of crossbite presents with distinct signs. Specialists note several general facial indicators of the condition:

• Shifted smile line;
• Asymmetrical corners of the mouth;
• Visible chin shift to the right or left.

Intraoral symptoms may include:

• Jaw misalignment and abnormal movement;
• Misalignment of teeth in the chewing zone;
• Overlapping of the dental arches when closing the mouth.

Crossbites typically form during childhood, as baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth. Contributing factors include:

• Heredity — characteristics of jawbone and tooth development, poor absorption of minerals, improper tooth growth sequence, delayed tooth eruption.
• Functional factors — mouth breathing, problems with chewing muscles, swallowing difficulties.
• Bad habits — resting the chin on the hand, thumb-sucking, biting lips, cheeks, or clothing.

In adults, crossbite may develop due to facial injuries or improper dental prosthetics. When placing crowns or veneers, it's crucial to preserve proper occlusion so the restoration does not interfere with tooth alignment.

Orthodontists classify crossbite into different types, diagnosing unilateral, bilateral, and jaw-position-altering forms.

The diagnosis also depends on the alignment of teeth during the closure of the upper and lower jaws.

Based on Tooth Position

• Buccal — the upper jaw appears underdeveloped and narrow, while the lower jaw is broad and overdeveloped. When the mouth is closed, the upper cheek teeth are overlapped by the lower cheek teeth.

  

• Lingual — the upper dental arch is wide, and the lower arch is underdeveloped. When the patient closes their mouth, the upper palate teeth overlap the lower cheek teeth.

  

• Buccolingual — features characteristics of both buccal and lingual crossbites.

  

With Jaw Displacement

Jaw displacement is often observed in buccal or buccolingual crossbite. The condition arises from issues in the temporomandibular joint (underdevelopment or misalignment of certain structures). A jaw that protrudes to the right, left, or diagonally can create noticeable facial asymmetry.

Reverse (Unilateral) and Bilateral

In reverse crossbite, the lower and upper teeth are crossed on one side only.

Jaw displacement is usually not present. If the upper and lower teeth cross on both sides, it is diagnosed as bilateral crossbite. This form of malocclusion is more difficult to treat.

Causal Classification of Crossbite

Orthodontists identify three types of crossbite based on the pathology's origin, which determines the treatment strategy.

• Dental-alveolar — improper sizes of teeth, roots, and alveolar ridges, despite normal jaw shape and position.
• Joint-related — abnormalities in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) leading to jaw misalignment.
• Gnathic — jaw shape deformities (either underdeveloped or overdeveloped).

Dental-Alveolar

Crooked teeth, properly aligned jaws.

Mild to moderate dental-alveolar crossbite can be corrected with aligners (trays). However, most often orthodontists use braces to correct the bite. The system is customized to the clinical case and the patient's preferences and budget. Braces treatment typically lasts 15-18 months.

Joint-Related

TMJ abnormalities, non-physiological jaw position.

Correcting this type of crossbite requires the involvement of a gnathologist. Treatment is based on the principles of neuromuscular dentistry. Relaxing the muscle fibers helps restore central occlusion. This holistic approach not only improves the aesthetics of the smile but also normalizes the functioning of the entire dental system. Neuromuscular dentistry-based treatment is billed separately.

Gnathic

Jaw deformities.

Correcting gnathic crossbite requires surgical intervention, involving a maxillofacial surgeon.

In the early stages, complications are related to the duration and complexity of treatment: the longer the condition goes untreated, the harder it becomes to correct later.

As the pathology progresses, it becomes rooted in the bone tissue, placing excessive strain on the dental arches and joints, which increases the likelihood of complications:

• Wedge-shaped defects — cracks in the enamel layer at the base of the teeth;
• Gum recession — reduction of gum tissue around the tooth base;
• Extensive cavities — teeth start to deteriorate due to excessive pressure on certain areas.

Severe crossbite is closely linked to TMJ clicking, neck and head pain, and noticeable facial asymmetry.

To prevent the development of crossbite, it's essential to monitor the health of the expectant mother during pregnancy. Stress, poor nutrition, and certain medications can negatively impact the baby's dental system.

After birth, it's important to:

• Avoid prolonged thumb-sucking or toy-chewing;
• Breastfeed to provide adequate load on the dental system;
• Treat ENT disorders promptly to prevent long-term mouth breathing.

If early signs of crossbite appear (both facial and oral), consult an orthodontist and begin treatment.

• What is the cost of crossbite correction?

  The price depends on the scope of the treatment plan and the severity of the case. Typically, the cost is determined after a diagnostic evaluation.

• Can crossbite be fully corrected with braces?

  It depends on the severity, type of the condition, and the patient's age. If the misalignment is caused by tooth displacement (with no jaw defects), braces are usually effective, provided treatment is started early.

• What happens if crossbite is not treated?

  Untreated crossbite can lead to complications such as chewing dysfunction, tooth fractures, and damage to the masticatory muscles and TMJ.

• Can braces correct asymmetry?

  Not always. It depends on the type and severity of the condition. Dental-alveolar asymmetry can often be corrected with braces. However, skeletal jaw deformities may require surgery, particularly in adults.

• How to correct facial asymmetry?

  Facial asymmetry can be treated with orthodontic or surgical methods, depending on the cause. This may involve plates, braces, or other orthodontic devices, and in severe cases, multiple surgeries may be necessary to correct jaw deformities.