Did you know that 26% of adult Americans have untreated tooth decay? To add to this, 46% of adults over the age of 30, also show symptoms of gum disease.
These statistics tell us that a lot of us neglect our oral health and well-being, leading to tooth decay and other issues during adulthood. One of these oral problems that most of us ignore includes crossbite.
Now while this isn’t always caused due to neglect, failure to address this issue can lead to more severe problems in the future. However, before we take a look at what those are, let’s first address the basics.
What Is a Crossbite?
In a nutshell, a crossbite refers to the misalignment of one or more teeth. This misalignment can be observed when you shut your jaws and is a type of malocclusion.
Normally, your upper teeth fit outward of your lower teeth. However, people with crossbite will experience the opposite.
The misalignment of the upper front teeth (namely the incisors and canines) is called an anterior crossbite, and the misalignment of the upper back tooth or teeth is called a posterior crossbite.
Possible Causes
Crossbite can be both, genetic as well as circumstantial. If your primary teeth fall out later on during your adult life, it is more likely for you to experience crossbite. Additionally, if your parents or other members of your family had crossbite, you are more likely to, as well.
Effects and Symptoms
Now, most of us recognize crossbite as an aesthetic issue, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes crossbite causes more severe symptoms. These include:
- Pain within your jaw or gums
- Tooth decay
- Difficulty with brushing
- Speech difficulties
- Headaches
- Muscle aches and pains in surrounding parts of your body
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a dentist or orthodontist immediately and explore your treatment options.
Treatment Options
Treatment options are likely to look a little different for adults and children. Additionally, your orthodontist is also going to examine the severity of your crossbite.
For children, your orthodontist may opt for widening the jaw through dental appliances, or in some cases, braces. For adults with less severe crossbites, orthodontists usually recommend braces or Invisalign.
However, in more severe cases, jaw surgery might be the best option.
Finding a qualified and reputed orthodontist can go a long way in ensuring good treatment. Check out the websites of top orthodontists in Idaho like http://www.boisedentist.com/, https://www.mycomfortcaredental.com/, and https://machenfamilydentistry.com/ to find one that works for you and your family.
Correct Your Crossbite for Better Oral Health
Crossbite isn’t just an aesthetics issue. The consequences of having a crossbite can be more severe, ranging from frequent pain to speech difficulty.
If you or someone you know is living with a crossbite, be sure to get the help you need from a qualified orthodontist to prevent oral health concerns in the future.
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