What is a crossbite?

Here’s what you need to know about crossbite & how Orthosnap can help!

Crossbite is when the teeth overlap one another and this condition can happen in the front (which is called anterior crossbite) or the back (which is called posterior crossbite). Crowding of the teeth on the top or bottom often accompanies crossbites. 

This condition tends to be genetic and can also occur where the top or bottom jaw does not grow and develop properly. How the adult teeth erupt (or come in) also impacts this condition. In short, there are a variety of reasons why crossbite occurs. 

What are the long-term effects of crossbite?

Malocclusion has many side effects that can impact a patient’s overall oral health and well-being, especially in the long term. Some of these effects include:

  • Jaw growth problems
  • Tooth decay
  • Breathing issues
  • Gum problems and disease
  • Chipped enamel and tooth fractures
  • Difficulty speaking

Jaw growth problems can happen in growing children and even impact adults. 

This condition manifests differently and can cause physical changes to the facial structure in addition to a patient’s oral anatomy (or the shape of their mouth). When jaws don’t align as they should, this will have a significant impact on the patient’s bite and breathing habits. 

The abnormal position of the teeth can lead to tooth decay. 

Many people who have crossbite often have crowded or crooked teeth as well. Crowded and crooked teeth are both much harder to clean properly than perfectly aligned teeth, which can result in cavities. 

Breathing issues are a common concern in children and adults. 

While it may manifest differently some of the symptoms are the same in both groups. For adults and older children, sleep apnea is often diagnosed due to restriction of airway passages. Even younger children may develop breathing issues which cause snoring or gasping for air while sleeping. 

This issue with breathing difficulty is directly related to obstructed airflow caused by misalignment of the jaw. Patients who have crossbite and are struggling with these conditions can greatly benefit from orthodontic care. 

Gum disease is also attributed to crossbites because of the misalignment of teeth. 

When teeth are crowded (not aligned) it can be more difficult for patients to floss and care for interproximal (between the teeth) spaces. This creates a breeding ground for the harmful bacteria that cause periodontal disease. 

Gum disease not only impacts the soft tissue but it can also impact the bone around teeth roots. In advanced stages, gum disease is a contributing factor in tooth loss.  Another term for gum disease is called “periodontal disease.”

Chipped enamel often relates back to a patient’s bite. 

Proper alignment ensures that the top and bottom teeth correspond properly and when chewing food the force of impact is evenly distributed between the top and bottom teeth. With malocclusion, this chewing force and impact are not evenly distributed and so certain teeth and their surfaces take the full force of impact. 

This impact can cause hairline fractures to develop and over time these small fractures can get bigger and deeper. Major dental treatments such as crowns, root canals, and even implants are sometimes the result of teeth impacted by malocclusion and crossbite. 

Crossbites make it difficult to speak and eat. 

With a crossbite, speech abnormalities or difficulty pronouncing or enunciating particular words is common. This can be frustrating and lead to poor communication, avoidance of social situations, difficulty in relationships, and mental health issues. 

Teeth that are not in alignment are subject to blunt force impact when chewing food. Over time, this impact can develop into other issues such as chipped enamel. Crossbite may also limit the foods you eat because they are difficult or impossible to chew completely. As a result, you may not be getting all the nutrients your body needs from foods like red meat, apples, and other crunchy and chewy foods.

Occlusion makes sure that our jaw and teeth are working together properly and that we are getting the proper nutrition our bodies need.  

Why Orthosnap?

  • Orthosnap is a clear aligner system for orthodontic treatment. The difference is in the design. While other aligner systems use 3D printing which can lead to opaque striations and increased measurement errors, Orthosnap aligners are completely clear and designed for an excellent fit.
  • Orthosnap offers a shorter treatment time. With its unique printing system, Orthosnap trays can be fabricated and delivered in less time than other systems and with fewer errors. Errors in the fabrication of clear aligners can be a common problem and must be accounted for in treatment time estimates. Waiting on new trays can sometimes take weeks or longer, this is not a concern with the Orthosnap system. 
  • The Orthosnaps design results in a superior fit that allows more patient comfort. The Orthosnap aligners deliver near invisibility and perfect smiles. Orthosnap looks for ways to raise the bar when it comes to patient comfort and compliance when using aligners. 
  • Precision and accuracy are at the heart of the Orthosnap brand. Attention to increased accuracy and patient comfort is included in the following methods: 
    • Completing cases without invasive procedures. 
    • A more comfortable fit for your patients by taking their root bone composition into account. Orthosnap also pinpoints direct areas on the aligners to assist in tooth movement, without bulky trays that make the patient’s mouth feel uncomfortable and crowded.
  • Orthosnap takes great pride in its relationship with dentists, offering true support and flexibility in the journey. Orthosnap’s custom tools assist the doctor with treatment flexibility and patient compliance. It’s a true working relationship focused on success for both the patient and the dentist. Orthosnap’s commitment to partnership can be found in all the small and big details. 

Orthosnap and Malocclusion

The Orthosnap system corrects many clinical cases for orthodontic treatment, including:

  • Spacing
  • Crowding
  • Overbite 
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Mixed

The Orthosnap clean aligner system works to correct malocclusion by initiating tiny movements interproximally, between the teeth. Orthosnap’s approach also focuses on expansion- helping the upper and lower jaws to open, allowing room to correct a variety of treatment cases. 

The malocclusion of crossbite can benefit from both the expansion and tooth movement focus. Allowing the dentist to bring teeth and arches back into proper alignment. With patient comfort and compliance checks, there is greater success in treatment follow-through and completion. 

Learn More About Orthosnap

Want to experience all the benefits of a perfectly aligned smile? Find an Orthosnap dentist near you today.