Braces have many benefits. They are used to straighten teeth, and to fix an overbite and underbite. Many patients aren’t aware that braces can also fix a crossbite.
Crossbite Can Be Corrected
Crossbite is a very common type of dental misalignment in which some of the upper teeth sit behind the corresponding lower teeth, while other teeth sit naturally in front. Even though it is rare, a crossbite can result in excessive wear on the tooth enamel, jaw pain, and speech problems. It can also be a source of discomfort with one’s smile, and this is often reason enough to consider corrective treatment. There are several effective ways to correct bite issues.
Correcting A Crossbite with Braces
Braces are an effective treatment option due to the sturdiness of their design, and their ability to be paired with extra dental appliances such as elastics. Treatment may be supplemented with tooth extraction because overcrowded teeth can interfere with crossbite correction. Braces move the teeth on both the top and bottom jaw, and straighten the teeth to align your bite properly. If the crossbite is caused by a misalignment of the upper and lower jaws, you may require the use of a palatal expander, usually for about 6 months before being fitted for braces. The devices are used to expand the upper jaw. The tool has to be fixed often. It helps to move the teeth far apart from each other. Once the expander has been enlarged to the right size, more teeth will have to be straightened. After braces, you will need to use a retainer to keep the mouth in the corrected position. It is highly recommended to get braces for a crossbite no matter how old you are. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our orthodontic office so we can set up an appointment to help you and answer all of your questions.
