What is a crossbite?   

A crossbite or (malocclusion) is a genetic condition where the midline of your upper and lower jaw are off-center and out of proper synch with one another. Crossbites can not only affect the way that you smile, but also the way that you eat, speak, and even your facial expressions.

Malocclusion Causes (Outside of Genetics)

Although genetics are the most common cause of malocclusion, there are other factors that could cause the condition to develop, Such as;

• Thumb-sucking as a child
• The habit of tongue-pushing
• Injuries to the jaw
• And in rare cases, even oral tumors

Crossbites are something you want to address at a young age if possible. This condition has been known to cause problems like receding gums, chipped teeth, as well as bone-loss over time if gone untreated.

But how do you fix a malocclusion?   

Crossbite treatment will vary depending on the severity of the condition, which is different from patient to patient and should only be determined by an orthodontist.

That being said, if you do have a crossbite and are seeking treatment, consulting with an experienced orthodontist would be most beneficial.

For most malocclusion patients, an orthodontist will typically choose one of these courses of treatment;

• • Palatal or maxillary expanders.
  • Removable expanders.
  • Assisted rapid palatal expansion surgery.
  • Traditional Braces.
  • Or a combination of treatments.

How can I determine the best course of treatment for this condition? 

A simple visit to the orthodontist, along with a thorough examination of your teeth and jaw will be able to determine this. In most cases, this will likely involve x-rays so that your ortho can get a more clear picture of what’s going on and decide on a proper course of treatment for your particular condition.

What to Avoid with a Malocclusion

• • • Self-treatment – Seeking crossbite treatment outside of a licensed orthodontist is never a good idea, it can actually do more harm than good. Every crossbite case is different and must be treated properly and accordingly. There is no “one size fits all” course of treatment.
    • No Treatment at all – untreated crossbites can be just as bad as incorrectly treated crossbites due to the increasing side effects as the condition persists.
    • Quality Vs. Costs – As enticing as it may be, avoid quick-fix solutions to save money. A crossbite is a medical condition that needs to be treated by a professional. Trying to save money with a quick fix will only cost you more down the road, physically and monetarily.

The Advantages of Properly Correcting a Malocclusion 

• • • Correcting a crossbite through a trained orthodontist will give you substantial peace of mind in knowing that your condition is being treated properly and in a way that is right for you.
    • Having your malocclusion corrected through an orthodontist will prevent self-injury as well as money wasted on the wrong treatment plans elsewhere.
    • There are a lot of moving parts and factors to consider when correcting a crossbite. With that being said, an ortho can not only improve your smile visually but also, properly treated crossbites may correct speech problems and even distorted facial-structure characteristics caused by the crossbite.
    • An orthodontist will have your complete state of dental health in mind at all times, rather than only focusing on one or two small pieces of the puzzle that make up your smile.
    • Lastly, a trained orthodontist will be fully equipped to give you the smile you’ve always wanted. A smile that is healthy, strong, and will last a lifetime.

Ready to Smile with Confidence?

Great, we’ve got just the right place for you! 

Dr. Kimbrough, of Kingwood Tx, is a highly trained orthodontist with many years of experience creating beautiful smiles. If you are looking for a skilled ortho to correct your crossbite, Kimbrough is right for you.

Call Kimbrough Orthodontics today and give yourself something to smile about! (281)-358-8551