What Causes a Crossbite in Teeth? – All You Need to Know

A gorgeous smile and a typical chewing experience is not too much to ask for, is it?

Sadly, it does not come easily to a lot of people who wish to know what causes a crossbite in teeth. 

A crossbite is a common dental problem that you may encounter as a child or even as an adult. This alignment issue is caused by your teeth, which can lead to multiple complications and problems if left untreated. 

Let's find out what causes a crossbite in teeth, how it can be treated, and what proactive measures can be taken to prevent a crossbite in the first place.

A crossbite is a common dental issue where the upper teeth do not align correctly with the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. 

In a typical bite, the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth. However, in a crossbite, some or all of the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth. This condition can occur in various forms and can affect the teeth in the front, back, or on both sides of the mouth.

An anterior crossbite occurs when the upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth. This type of crossbite is often visible when smiling or speaking. 

Anterior crossbites can be caused by various factors, including genetic predisposition, early loss of primary teeth, or habits such as thumb sucking.

A posterior crossbite affects the back teeth, where the upper back teeth sit inside the lower back teeth. They may result from factors such as improper jaw development, prolonged use of pacifiers, or mouth breathing during childhood.

This habit involves pushing the tongue against the teeth while swallowing, which can cause the teeth to move out of alignment over time and cause a crossbite in the teeth.

Disproportionate growth of the upper and lower jaws can result in a crossbite. For instance, if the lower jaw grows faster or larger than the upper jaw, the upper teeth can fit inside the lower teeth.

Losing baby teeth prematurely can lead to misalignment of the permanent teeth as they erupt, potentially causing a crossbite.

If the permanent teeth take longer to emerge, the surrounding teeth can shift into the space meant for them, leading to misalignment and crossbite.

Crossbites can cause uneven pressure on the teeth, leading to excessive wear, chipping, and even fractures.

Misaligned teeth are harder to clean, which can result in plaque buildup and increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Abnormal tooth positioning can cause the gums to recede, exposing the roots of the teeth and leading to sensitivity and increased risk of decay.

The misalignment of the teeth can strain the jaw muscles and joints (temporomandibular joints or TMJ), causing pain, discomfort, and TMJ disorders.

The unevenness of a crossbite can cause the jaw muscles to work harder to chew, leading to muscle fatigue and pain.

Crossbites can make it challenging to bite and chew food properly, leading to inefficient chewing and potential digestive issues.

Misaligned teeth can affect the tongue's ability to make certain sounds, causing speech problems such as lisping.

Severe crossbites can affect the overall facial structure, leading to asymmetry and impacting a person's appearance and self-esteem.

A crossbite can affect the appearance of the smile, making individuals self-conscious about their teeth.

Persistent misalignment and uneven pressure can cause teeth to become loose over time.

Chronic gum disease resulting from a crossbite can lead to bone loss around the teeth, jeopardizing their stability and health.

Palatal expanders are commonly used to widen the upper jaw, creating more space for proper alignment.

The device is attached to the upper molars and gradually widens over several weeks or months, allowing the bones in the upper jaw to expand and realign. This treatment is most effective in younger children, typically between the ages of 6 and 12 when the jaw is still growing.

Braces are used to move teeth into their correct positions, aligning both the upper and lower teeth.

Braces apply continuous pressure on the teeth, gradually shifting them into proper alignment with the help of brackets that are attached to the teeth and connected by wires. Braces can be effective for children and teenagers with most permanent teeth.

Myofunctional therapy can address habits and muscle functions that contribute to crossbites, such as tongue thrusting and improper swallowing. It is highly effective for children and teenagers, particularly those with habits contributing to the crossbite.

For mild crossbites, Invisalign can be an effective alternative to traditional braces. Made from transparent plastic, these clear aligners are ideal for people who prefer a less noticeable treatment option.

Braces may not be suitable for all adults with crossbites. In severe cases, orthodontists may recommend jaw realignment surgery to correct the jaw's position.

Dental restorations, like crowns, veneers, or dental bonding, can improve the bite and alignment in cases where the crossbite affects only a few teeth. These restorative techniques can reshape and align the teeth, improving the bite and aesthetics. This option is best for mild crossbites and can be combined with other treatments for comprehensive results.

While knowing what causes a crossbite in teeth can be useful, it is also important to know what you can do to prevent a crossbite in your teeth altogether. 

Here are some of the preventive measures you can take to avoid getting a crossbite.

Schedule your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts. Early detection allows for timely intervention if potential crossbites are identified.

Encourage your child to stop sucking their thumb or fingers by age 3 to prevent misalignment of teeth and jaw growth issues. Limit their pacifier use after age 3 to prevent crossbites.

Teach your children (and yourself!) the importance of brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily to maintain proper tooth alignment and gum health.

Visit the dentist regularly to monitor jaw development and ensure that teeth are erupting correctly.

Have your child evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7 to detect potential orthodontic issues, including crossbites, early on. If a crossbite is detected, follow the orthodontist's recommendations for early intervention to prevent the condition from worsening.

Treat allergies promptly to reduce the likelihood of chronic mouth breathing, which can impact jaw development and tooth alignment.

A crossbite is a fairly common dental condition that can eventually lead to multiple oral complications if left untreated for long. 

Being aware of what causes a crossbite in teeth can help you take proactive measures, whether for yourself or for your child and prevent this dental issue altogether. 

If you or your child are suffering from a crossbite, contact a dentist or an orthodontist to find out the best treatment options.

Don't wait to achieve the smile you deserve! 

Contact Innovative Dental & Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation!