When talking about the cross or scissor bite , we are talking about a malocclusion that can occur when tooth or mandibular development is not adequate. This is an anomaly that can cause serious problems for the person , not only aesthetically but also functionally.
It is for this reason that it is necessary to have a crossbite treatment so that it does not cause problems . Ideally, this malocclusion can be treated during childhood, however, in adulthood it can also be corrected, but through surgery.
What is cross bite?
The cross or scissor bite is a malocclusion in the transverse plane of the mouth, which means that both arches do not fit well. The cusps of the upper and lower parts are not in contact , therefore the chewing process of patients is negatively affected.
This is because the maxilla completely covers the mandible , because it is too large. However, you should keep in mind that the scissor bite is rare and unusual. But, if it occurs, it can be corrected through orthodontics , which will allow a functional and completely aesthetic denture to be obtained.
Why does this bite occur?
You should be aware that there are many different factors by which a scissor bite can occur . Depending on each person, a bite may develop with a greater or lesser degree of deviation.
Among the main causes for which it occurs we find:
- Genetics: heredity plays a fundamental role, and can affect the harmonious development of the mandible and maxilla. If the size between the two is not adequate, a bite problem will occur.
- Habits in childhood: these also tend to play an important role in the formation of the mouth. For this reason thumb sucking or placing the tongue in a bad position can cause this problem.
- Lack of pieces: the lack of pieces can affect the integrity of the dental bone, but it can also lead to a malposition of the adjacent teeth, this because they tend to occupy the space,
- There is not enough space: it can happen that the teeth do not have enough space to emerge, and this will cause them to come out in an improper position, directly affecting the occlusion.
- Bumps or Fractures: If a bump or fracture occurs to the jaw, this can lead to a dental malocclusion.
What treatments are used to correct the crossbite?
There are different alternatives for treating crossbite . The main ones will be the following:
Orthodontics
An orthodontic treatment will help to mold the dental bones so that they have a correct growth. In general, this should be done in children 11 years and older, and through interceptive orthodontics the size and position of the bone structure can be modified.
This will allow the patient to have an optimal occlusion and problems in adult life will be avoided . To do this, problems must be detected as early as possible, so going to the dentist on a regular basis will be key to success.
Surgical intervention
Speaking of adults, this is a procedure that will be more complex and lengthy. Especially since when tooth growth is complete , the dental bones cannot be changed.
For this reason, in these cases it is necessary to intervene directly in the maxilla . For this, it is necessary for the person to undergo orthognathic surgery, which aims to restore the harmony of bone mass.
In general, this type of procedure must be combined with orthodontic treatment lasting approximately 2 years. However, the way forward will depend on the individual patient, so be sure to consult with a dental health professional to guide you on the way forward.
What consequences does this type of bite bring?
You must bear in mind that one of the main problems that this type of bite has is that it causes difficulty in biting . This is because the teeth cannot force properly.
The result will be that the adjacent parts and the gums can be susceptible to serious damage . For this reason, it is essential that the crossbite be treated whenever necessary so that you can achieve better dental health.
Types of cross bite
There is no single class of crossbite , but it can be classified depending on the oral sector where it occurs in the following:
- Anterior: it is the one that occurs in the front part of the mouth.
- Posterior: occurs in the back of the oral cavity.
- Unilateral: this is the one that will affect only one side of the mouth, and when it occurs it can produce asymmetries in the face. It can also present with pain in the joint of the mouth.
- Bilateral: occurs on both sides of the jaw, being a fairly common form.
The cross – bites can also be classified according to their origin in the growth of bones or teeth. In this order of ideas we find:
- Skeletal origin: in these cases, the upper jaw has not developed properly, and ends up being smaller than the mandible.
- Dental crossbite: in these cases the bones have had a correct growth, however, the teeth are in an inappropriate position.
- Mixed crossbite: in this case, both the growth of the bones and the position of the teeth are incorrect.
- For the detection and to initiate a corrective treatment of the crossbite, the most important thing is that the children from the age of 6 are taken to the dentist. In any case, with early detection, you can prevent problems from worsening over time, which will lead to a correct bite.