Cross-bite correction

Cross-bite correction

What is a Crossbite?

A cross-bite frequently occurs during childhood, and is misalignment of the teeth. The misalignment is most often found in the front teeth or back teeth. Usually, the upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth if your child has a cross bite. A small percent of children have a cross-bite. Cross-bites should be detected and corrected while a person is still a child, though it can be fixed during adulthood, too.

Children with cross bite tend to have the following dental problems:

  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • Stress on the muscles of the jaw
  • Headaches including jaw, neck, and shoulder pain
  • Emotional and self-esteem issues

Treatments for a cross-bite include using orthodontic appliances to correct the position of the teeth, jaw, and palate of your child. Palatal expanders, removable expanders, and surgical assisted palatal expansion are all techniques to use to fix the cross-bite and give your child a beautiful smile with teeth that chew well.