You probably already know that braces are the most common form of orthodontic treatment around.
Whether you get metal braces or clear braces, a set of dental braces is the most effective way to treat almost all orthodontic problems. Braces can resolve the most severe conditions other great treatment options, such as clear plastic aligners, can’t. But did you also know there are many different kinds of orthodontic issues?
It’s true!
When you think about braces, you probably think about crooked teeth or teeth with gaps. Your friendly local Port Orange orthodontist calls these “misaligned” teeth. But not all misaligned teeth are the same. As your family orthodontist, Dr. Beauchamp has to figure out exactly what the underlying issue is before treating it.
A crossbite is a common, yet challenging orthodontic issue.
Let’s find out more about it.
What Is a Crossbite?
To understand what a crossbite is, it can be helpful to close your mouth and think about where your teeth are positioned. Many times, adults will have teeth that line up completely: The top teeth line up with those at the bottom and vice versa. A crossbite happens when misalignment affects the position of some of the teeth.
Specifically, you might notice you have a crossbite if some upper teeth “sit inside” of the lower teeth when your mouth is closed. Even if you think you might have a crossbite, though, it’s important to get it confirmed by a trustworthy local family orthodontist. A crossbite can have serious effects on your teeth and gums.
Are There Different Kinds of Crossbite?
Yes – there are actually several kinds of crossbite. You could have any of these:
- Posterior crossbite: In this crossbite, only the upper back teeth are set inside of the lower ones.
- Anterior crossbite: Here, only one or two of the top front teeth are set inside of the lower teeth.
- Buccal crossbite: At least one of the upper back teeth bites entirely outside out of the lower ones.
- Unilateral crossbite: Only one side of the mouth is affected. This is the rarest form of crossbite.
What Are the Symptoms of Crossbite?
Crossbite symptoms vary depending on the exact way the problem presents and how severe it is. The longer you have untreated crossbite, the more likely you are to notice issues like enamel damage. When bite force can’t be distributed evenly, some teeth will wear down more quickly than others.
Crossbite can contribute to difficulty speaking, jaw pain, headaches, and an increased likelihood of biting your cheek or tongue during day-to-day eating. Depending on how your teeth are positioned, crossbite can make it more difficult to keep them clean. That leads to a higher risk of cavities and gum disease.
How Long Does it Take to Treat a Crossbite?
The time it takes to treat a crossbite depends on a number of factors. The most crucial of these is the severity of the crossbite and the age of the patient. A Port Orange orthodontist will help by evaluating the crossbite and helping you understand your treatment options and projected timelines at the very first visit.
Generally, younger orthodontic patients will see faster results. But anyone, at any time of life, can benefit from orthodontic care. A younger patient might enjoy significant changes or even be done with treatment in as little as a year. It may take longer for adults, but crossbite can be completely treated in almost all cases.
Can Children Have Crossbite?
Yes, children can have a crossbite. One of the reasons why it’s so vital to make sure a child sees an orthodontist at an early age is to minimize the risk of orthodontic woes. When there is not going to be enough room in the mouth for all adult teeth, a palate expander can be used to safely and naturally create more space. Often, this is part of a two-phase orthodontic treatment plan that helps ensure orthodontic health for years to come.
Are There Other Kinds of “Bites?”
Yes! There are a number of other different kinds of “bites.” A crossbite refers to the misalignment of a few teeth, but an overbite or underbite represents the misalignment of the whole jaw. There are also some other, more rare conditions where the bite is misaligned in very specific ways. Whatever the details are, braces can help!
No matter what your orthodontic condition is or how old you are, a board-certified Florida orthodontist like Dr. Marielle Beauchamp can help. She will be glad to answer all of your questions so you can make an informed choice. Book your consultation today to find out more or get started.