Specifically, a crossbite takes place if your upper teeth fit inside your lower teeth.
This misalignment can affect overalldental hygiene, and lead to issues like pain or problems chewing food.
This article provides an overview of crossbites, as well as common causes and treatments.
Verywell / Laura Porter
What Is a Crossbite?
When the teeth are aligned correctly, the upper teeth will fit slightly over the lower teeth.
In a crossbite, the opposite occurs: Some upper teeth are positioned inside the lower teeth.
Each person’s individual crossbite is unique.
Posterior Crossbite
Posterior crossbites affect the back teeth.
Anterior Crossbite
An anterior crossbite affects the front teeth.
In this case, the lower front teeth are positioned to stick out past the upper front teeth.
This is commonly known as an “underbite.”
Anterior crossbites are considered to be the most common pop in of crossbite.
Yet in addition to the appearance of tooth misalignment, other physical symptoms of a crossbite can occur.
They include:
Anterior crossbite can result in severe recession of the lower front teeth.
This is typically between the ages of 6 and 11.
What Causes a Crossbite?
Crossbites can be brought on by genetics, in which you inherit tooth misalignment from a biological parent.
Crossbite can also be the result of a combination of these factors.
Genetics
For many people, having a crossbite can be inherited.
This means that thetooth misalignmenttrait is passed down by a parent.
The goal of crossbite treatment is to correct the positioning of the teeth.
Different options include:
Specific interventions may be determined by the punch in of crossbite.
As an example, orthodontic treatments like braces can cost on average around $5,000.
Clear aligners, on the other hand, could range from $2,000 to $9,000.
In many communities, there are places where you could obtainfree or low-cost dental services.
Causes include genetics or childhood behaviors like thumb-sucking.
A Word From Verywell
Crossbites are common and treatable at a younger age.
Fortunately, there are a number of different options for aligning your bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
An untreated crossbite can cause issues with overall dental health and hygiene.
This is why experts recommend seeking treatment as early as possible and accessible.
American Association of Orthodontics.What is a crossbite?
American Association of Orthodontists.What is a crossbite?
Stanford Childrens Health.Malocclusion in children.
Merck Manual Professional Version.Dental Anatomy and Development.
2023 Nov 25;23(1):923. doi: 10.1186/s12903-023-03572-0.
2016 Oct;36(5):386-394. doi: 10.14639/0392-100X-770.
2023 Dec 15;11(12):291. doi: 10.3390/dj11120291.
American Association of Orthodontists.How much do braces cost?
Financing options for orthodontic treatment.
American Dental Association.2020 survey of dental fees.
University of Michigan Health.Malocclusion and orthodontics.
2020;21(2):115-122. doi:10.23804/ejpd.2020.21.02.05
