What is a crossbite?
A crossbite is a type of malocclusion in which the upper teeth fit inside of the lower teeth, with the lower teeth covering the upper ones. The upper front and back teeth are either positioned too far inward, or the lower teeth are positioned too far outward. This prevents the teeth from closing correctly. A crossbite is one of the most common malocclusions in children and adolescents.
Types of crossbite
Bilateral crossbite
Both sides of the teeth – left and right – are affected and do not clench correctly. Usually this is caused by the upper jaw being too narrow in relation to the lower jaw.
Unilateral crossbite
The teeth are only misaligned on one side. The bite on the other side is correct.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a crossbite?
Crossbites usually arise because of a muscular imbalance around the oral cavity. The tongue doesn't support the growth of the upper jaw, which impedes growth.
Sometimes crossbites can be genetic in nature, for instance when the lower jaw grows too much in relation to the upper jaw. Accidents or bad habits such as extended thumb sucking can also contribute to the development of a crossbite.
Why correct a crossbite?
It makes sense from a medical perspective to correct some cases of misaligned teeth, crossbites included. In fact, crossbites almost always require treatment. Not doing so can have psychological, aesthetic and health consequences. In many cases, crossbites can already be treated in children with baby teeth.
What happens if you don't correct a crossbite?
If children or adolescents with a crossbite don't receive treatment, the development of their upper jaw may be impaired. This can lead to disproportionate facial proportions and psychological problems. The function of the bite will also be impaired.
If a crossbite first arises once the patient is an adult, which is rather uncommon, issues such as chewing problems, tension, headaches and backaches can occur.
How can a crossbite be corrected?
Conventional wire braces or transparent braces can often treat a crossbite successfully. In some cases, orthodontic treatment is insufficient and an additional operation will be necessary.
A surgical intervention to expand the jaw is advised particularly in cases where facial symmetry has been impacted by a crossbite. A purely orthodontic treatment would only treat the symptoms but not the root cause.
Does health insurance cover the costs of crossbite treatment?
This depends on the severity of the malocclusion. The best thing to do is to contact your health insurance company directly to find out if they cover the costs of correcting your crossbite.
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