If you or a member of your family suffers from a dental irregularity known as a crossbite, it is important to treat the condition before it grows worse. Our orthodontic practice offers the latest crossbite treatment to correct crossbite issues in an effective, painless way.
What is a Crossbite?
There are two types of crossbites conditions: the unilateral posterior crossbite and the anterior crossbite. You have a posterior crossbite if your side top teeth go behind your bottom teeth on one side of your mouth when you close your jaw. You have an anterior crossbite if your front top teeth go behind your bottom teeth when you close your jaw. Our orthodontists have the training, experience, and dental equipment to provide treatment for both crossbite conditions.
Crossbites may develop due to a number of different factors. Genetics certainly play a major role, so if both your parents have a crossbite, there is a good chance you could inherit it as well. The size of your jaw also factors into crossbite issues. For example, if your upper jaw is smaller than your lower jaw, the mismatched size could cause you to develop a crossbite over time.
Major Cause of Crossbite Issues in Children
Lingering baby teeth is a major cause of crossbites among children. If their baby teeth do not fall out by the time permanent teeth begin to come in, the child’s jaw becomes crowded. The permanent teeth grow behind the baby teeth, so when the child bites down, the back row will fall behind the lower teeth. If the child does not receive crossbite treatment, this condition can last into adulthood.
Proven Crossbite Treatment from VA Orthodontist
In order to provide crossbite treatment with lasting results, we must first perform a thorough examination. Our orthodontists then determine the best way to correct these issues. For minor crossbite, conditions, we usually use a dental expander to expand the jaw. Typically, a patient wears this for two to three months until the jaw has hardened in its new place. For more severe cases, we may recommend getting braces in conjunction with a dental expander.
Health Issues Caused by a Crossbite
Crossbites are more than just cosmetic imperfections. If left untreated, a crossbite condition can lead to a number of issues that range from receding gums to loosing teeth entirely. Another condition caused by crossbites is TMD (temporomandibular disorder). This, in turn, can cause moderate to severe pain, as well as a number of different problems with speaking, eating, and other activities involving mouth control.
There are a number of symptoms associated with both TMD and crossbites. Some of these symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw
- Limited ability to open your mouth
- Feelings of facial fatigue
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
- Facial swelling
Schedule an appointment for a dental examination and possible crossbite treatment as soon as you notice any of these symptoms. Complete our online contact form to learn more about crossbite treatments in Woodbridge and Manassas. We also proudly serve patients in Fredericksburg, Burke, Lorton, Dale City, Quantico, Triangle, Bristow, Nokesville, Gainesville, Haymarket, Stafford, & Spotsylvania, Virginia.