The clinical definition for a crossbite is an abnormal relation of one or more teeth of one arch to the opposing tooth or teeth of the other arch, caused by deviation of tooth position or abnormal jaw position. But unless youre a health professional, this definition probably makes you say, Huh? In lay terms, a unilateral posterior crossbite is what occurs when your upper teeth fall inside your lower teeth on one side when you bite down. An anterior crossbite, which is similar to an underbite, is what occurs when your top front teeth fall behind your lower front teeth when you bite down A crossbite is more than just a cosmetic imperfection. So if you suspect that you have a crossbite and wonder how important it is to see a dentist, the answer is very. Left untreated, a crossbite can cause conditions such as TMJ or TMD, loose teeth, receding gums, excessive wear of tooth enamel and assymetrical growth of your face and jaw. Not every crossbite requires correction, but the only way to tell is through proper diagnosis. An orthodontist can recommend a dental treatment for crossbites, which includes the use of an appliance called a dental expander. The expander is widened during the first 1-2 months to expand the jaw, and typically worn for an additional three months to allow the jaw to harden in its new place. Dental braces are sometimes used in conjunction with an expander or are placed after the expander is removed. https://youtube/watch?v=Th3tT3NFtX4
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 17:42:07 +0000