Effective Treatment Options for Correcting Crossbite - video

Crossbites are not only embarrassing and make people want to hide their smiles, they can also cause toothaches, headaches, earaches, jaw pain or tension in the jaw, and lead to temporomandibular disorder (TMD) as well as severe pain in the jaw joints (TMJ). A crossbite can create problems with biting and chewing, making eating painful.

Misaligned teeth are harder to keep clean, leading to plaque build-up, which can cause cavities, dental caries, abscesses, and decay of the teeth, gums, and bones. This can cause periodontal disease and bone and tooth loss.

It is very important to treat a crossbite or underbite. For optimal results, it's recommended that treatment begin when patients are young, and the teeth and bones are still growing. However, a crossbite can be corrected by a skilled professional, with excellent results at any age. Licensed orthodontists are very skilled in correcting crossbites and underbites.

A crossbite occurs when the teeth are not properly aligned with the top teeth fitting past the bottom teeth. Instead, one or more of the bottom teeth stick out past the top teeth. This can happen in the front teeth or in the back molar teeth.

When you bite down, smile to show your teeth and see if any of your bottom teeth stick out past the top teeth, either in the front or back. If they do, this is a crossbite, and you should consult an orthodontist for treatment.

You may also experience frequent headaches, jaw pain, or discomfort when eating or chewing. These are signs of a potential crossbite .

An anterior crossbite or underbite is a “bad bite” where the bottom teeth stick out past the top teeth in the front area of the teeth. Anterior crossbites occur in the front four incisor teeth and the canine teeth.

A posterior crossbite or underbite is a bad bite in which the bottom teeth protrude past the top teeth in the back or side areas of the teeth. Posterior crossbites affect the molars and premolars and can occur on only one side or both sides simultaneously.

Yes, braces are an excellent treatment method to correct a crossbite or an underbite. Metal or ceramic braces can both be used to safely and effectively move teeth into their correctly aligned positions.

Orthodontists are very experienced with treating all kinds of crossbites and use specialized technology to carefully correct this issue, with lasting results.

Yes, Invisalign is an excellent form of orthodontic treatment for correcting a crossbite when used as a tool in the hands of a skilled orthodontic professional. (Remember, any treatment is only as good as the provider who is treating you). Invisalign clear aligners are custom-designed for your specific condition.

Your orthodontist will use 3D predictive modeling to design an Invisalign regimen that will safely and precisely move your teeth into the correct positions. People love Invisalign for the discreet appearance of the clear aligners, which are nearly invisible when worn, and the effectiveness of the treatment. If you have a crossbite, Invisalign can be an excellent choice to correct it.

Seek an orthodontic provider with the highest Invisalign experience credentials, such as a Diamond Plus or Diamond Invisalign Provider. These providers are in the top percentage of orthodontists for Invisalign experience and can provide you with the most effective results.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children see an orthodontist beginning at age 7. Even though treatment may not begin at this stage, a professional orthodontist will take x-rays and be able to predict future development, and make adjustments if necessary, to create the best outcomes for your child's smile.

If the child is developing a crossbite, the orthodontist can use early interventions, such as spacers or a palate expander, to encourage proper growth and correct the crossbite as early as possible.

However, you can expect great results from crossbite orthodontic treatment at any age! Kids, teens, and adults of all ages can get orthodontic treatment for a proper bite and a healthy, beautiful smile!

Treatment times depend on the severity of your crossbite, the level of experience of your orthodontic provider, and which treatment you use. Metal and ceramic braces can correct a crossbite in between 6 months and 2+ years. Very mild cases can be completed in 6-8 months.

Seeking an experienced orthodontist is the most important factor: your provider will use the braces to straighten your teeth, and the most experienced licensed professionals are the most equipped to do this efficiently and effectively.

Each treatment is different, depending on your unique treatment needs, which treatment you select, and the level of experience of your Invisalign provider. A mild case crossbite can be corrected in 6-8 months; a more severe crossbite will take between 12 and 24 months.

Costs vary depending on your specific treatment needs for your diagnosis and where you seek treatment. Braces can cost anywhere between $1,700 and $7,000. Insurance can help you cover the costs of braces treatment, and most orthodontic offices offer payment plans to break up costs into manageable monthly installments.

There is a range of Invisalign costs, depending on the severity of your crossbite and the provider you choose. Invisalign costs range from $2,650 to $9,000.

Insurance can help lower the costs you pay, as well as promotional discounts and monthly payment plans. Your orthodontic provider will work out the financials with you so you can correct your crossbite and achieve a healthy smile.

Crossbites can be corrected at any age. Beginning treatment in childhood when the teeth and bones are still developing is ideal since this can achieve the longest-lasting results, but crossbites can be corrected in adults of all ages, by an experienced, licensed orthodontist using braces or Invisalign.

Orthodontists are very experienced with safely and effectively aligning teeth in patients of all ages. Crossbites can have serious consequences for the health of your teeth and your overall health, so it's important to get them corrected by a skilled orthodontist, no matter your age – for a lifetime of confidence and healthy smiles.

Programs like Medicaid and CHIP can help qualifying families cover the costs of children's braces. In some cases, they may cover the costs in full. Coverage and eligibility vary by state. If your child has a crossbite that needs to be corrected, look into your state’s guidelines for using Medicaid or CHIP to pay for braces, and seek an orthodontist that takes your insurance coverage.

American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) - What is a Crossbite?
https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/what-is-a-crossbite/

Columbia University in the City of New York - Principles of Cross-bite Treatment (PDF)
https://www.columbia.edu/itc/hs/dental/D5300/ERSOY%20Principles%20of%20Cross-bite%20Treatment_Color.pdf

National Center for Biotechnology Information - Orthodontics, Posterior Crossbite
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499873/

Crossbite - What you need to know about transforming your smile with Invisalign® treatment
https://www.invisalign.com/treatable-cases/crossbite

Doctor Locator - Find the right Invisalign® provider for you
https://www.invisalign.com/get-started/find-a-doctor

American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) - Your's First Visit | Parents Guide to Orthodontics
https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/parent-s-guide-post/first-visit/