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What are Crossbites and Deep Bites? Causes, Symptoms and Treatments ,
sandy springs crossbite braces

Understanding Crossbites and Deep Bites: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Crossbites and deep bites are common dental issues in which the jaw and teeth don’t line up the way they’re intended to. When left untreated, these issues can cause people to be self-conscious about their appearance, and they can cause pain and more severe dental issues.

A crossbite is a misalignment of the teeth that can affect a single tooth or multiple and will affect the front or back of the mouth. You will know if you or someone you love has a crossbite by how the teeth and jaw sit when resting with the mouth closed.

A deep bite, otherwise known as an overbite, causes the top front teeth to cover the lower teeth far more than what is normal. An overlap of the top and bottom teeth less than 4 mm is considered “abnormal.” A deep bite is noticeable because the top teeth will come too far down over the bottom teeth when the jaw is closed.

The Appearance Of Crossbites

Crossbites may appear in one of three ways: a posterior crossbite, anterior crossbite, or buccal crossbite (otherwise known as a Brodie bite).

An anterior crossbite affects the bottom teeth at the front of the mouth, causing the top teeth to sit behind the bottom teeth. Remember, this can affect one tooth or multiple.

Anterior crossbites are sometimes confused with underbites, but underbites are more serious. Underbites affect all the teeth, while an anterior crossbite only affects a group of teeth.

A posterior crossbite affects the lower teeth at the back of the mouth, causing the top teeth to fit inside the bottom teeth.

A Buccal crossbite occurs when the top back teeth sit outside the lower teeth.

The Causes Of Crossbites
Crossbites may develop due to many reasons:

  1. Genetics
  2. Adult teeth grow abnormally.
  3. When it takes a child longer than usual to lose their baby teeth.
  4. Uncommon swallowing habits.
  5. Thumb sucking for prolonged periods.
  6. Breathing through the mouth.

The Effects of Crossbites
Crossbites should not be overlooked, as they rarely fix themselves without correction. Here are some ways an untreated crossbite may affect you or your child:

  1. Painful teeth and jaw.
  2. Pain in the shoulders and neck.
  3. Accelerated wear and tear of tooth enamel.
  4. Tooth decay.
  5. Uneven jaw growth.
  6. Jaw misalignment.
  7. Difficulty speaking.
  8. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
  9. Asymmetry of the face.
  10. Abnormal chewing.
  11. Sleep apnea.
  12. Headaches.

Treatments For Crossbites
Crossbites are fairly common, occurring in 4-5% of children. Fortunately, depending on how badly the misalignment has progressed, they are highly treatable.

The ease of treatment and the time it takes to treat a crossbite depend on the patient’s age and the severity of the misalignment. Most crossbites can be fixed within 18 months to 3 years.

Palatal expanders are common for children under ten because their bodies are still growing. They can expand and widen the upper jaw, correcting the alignment of the teeth and jaw over time.

One study cites esthetic pediatric strip crowns as an effective treatment for young children. The crowns were used on three kids, forcing the lower jaw backward. All three children’s crossbites were successfully treated in only one to two weeks and remained successful at the six-month follow-up appointment.

Braces and aligners are more common for older children and adults whose jaws are finished growing. These devices help to reposition the teeth.

Adults with severe crossbites may need surgical treatment to correct their jaw alignment. Even after surgery, adults may need to wear braces for a time.

Always consult an orthodontic specialist, as they will determine the best course of treatment depending on a person’s unique situation.

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The Causes of Deep Bites

Deep bites may develop due to many reasons:

  1. Genetics.
  2. Jaw injuries.
  3. A small jaw or mouth (there’s not enough room for all your teeth).
  4. Missing teeth.
  5. Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw.

The Effects of Deep Bites

When left untreated, deep bites can cause several issues, including:

  1. Premature wear and tear to the lower front teeth.
  2. Premature wear and tear to the enamel of the upper front teeth.
  3. Tooth decay and sensitivity due to clenching and grinding of the teeth and jaw.
  4. Crooked teeth.
  5. Gum damage from constant, excess pressure.
  6. Gum disease.
  7. Painful ulcers and sores from accidentally biting the top of the mouth.
  8. Abnormal chewing, which leads to difficulty eating and drinking.
  9. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
  10. Worsening dental problems.

Treatments For Deep Bites: Invisalign, Braces, Crowns
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 15-20% of Americans will develop a deep bite at some point in their lifetime. Adults make up about 25% of the population getting treatment from orthodontics.

As with crossbites, deep bites have various treatments depending on the patient’s age and the severity of the misalignment.

Braces are the most common treatment for deep bites in patients of all ages. They’re minimally invasive and work to apply pressure to the teeth to correct their alignment.

Clear aligners like Invisalign, are similar to braces and are often preferred by adults and children because they aren’t obvious and don’t affect your appearance.

Braces and clear aligners like Invisalign are great options for kids because their jaws are still growing, so it’s easier to manipulate their teeth.

Occasionally, dentists may use crowns and veneers to correct a crossbite. One study highlights a deep bite patient who received crowns and veneers after experiencing soft tissue trauma and losing some of their tooth surfaces. This treatment made the patient’s jaw more stable and improved their function and appearance.

Surgery is less common but may be necessary for severe cases in adults with deep bites. Surgery is usually unnecessary for children since their jaws are still growing and can be corrected with less invasive methods. In cases where surgery is necessary, an orthodontist may remove some teeth to help with realignment.

Always talk to an orthodontic specialist. Depending on your situation, they can determine the best treatment for you or your child.

What To Do Next: Contact a Sandy Springs, Atlanta Dentist

If you or a loved one has a crossbite or deep bite, contact a dentist to discuss your options. Although these conditions can be painful, they are correctable, no matter your age or the severity of the condition. Correcting your dental issues will lead to a higher quality of life, where you have less pain and are more confident.

We have 3 convenient locations to serve anyone in the following areas: Sandy Springs, Atlanta, Dunwoody, Convington and Alpharetta. Book an appointment here or give us a call!

Posted on behalf of Creative Dentistry & MedSpa

Atlanta Office

5505 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd #460
Atlanta, GA, 30342

Hours

Monday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Tuesday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Wednesday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Friday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday / Sunday - Closed

Alpharetta office

5755 North Point Pkwy Ste 102
Alpharetta, GA, 30022

Hours

Monday - Closed

Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5.00 PM

Wednesday 10:00 - 6:00 PM

Thursday 9:00 - 5:00 PM

Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday / Sunday - Closed

Covington Office

4139 Baker St NE #15
Covington, GA, 30014

Hours

Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday - By Appointment Only

Saturday / Sunday - Closed