Comprehensive Guide to Crossbites: Understanding Types, Causes, and Treatment Options

A crossbite represents one of the most common forms of malocclusion—a condition where teeth are misaligned in ways that can affect both function and appearance. This dental issue occurs when upper teeth position incorrectly relative to lower teeth, either sitting inside them or biting completely outside. Crossbites can involve a single tooth, multiple teeth, or entire groups of teeth in either the front or back regions of the mouth. Understanding the different types of crossbites and their potential impact is essential for parents seeking timely intervention for their children.

What Are the Different Types of Crossbites?

Dental professionals classify crossbites into three distinct categories, each with unique characteristics and treatment considerations:

1. Posterior Crossbite

This type affects the back teeth, where one or more upper teeth sit inside (toward the tongue) relative to the corresponding lower teeth. In a normal bite alignment, upper back teeth should overlap the lower back teeth on the outside. Posterior crossbites can occur on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral) of the mouth, and they often result from narrow upper jaw development or asymmetric jaw growth.

2. Anterior Crossbite

An anterior crossbite involves the front teeth, where one or more upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth when biting down. This creates a reversed overlap compared to normal alignment. When all of the upper front teeth or the entire upper jaw sits behind the lower front teeth, this more severe condition is commonly referred to as an underbite. Anterior crossbites can significantly impact a child's facial profile and self-confidence if left untreated.

3. Buccal Crossbite or Brodie Bite

This less common variation occurs when one or more upper back teeth bite completely outside (toward the cheek) of the lower teeth. The Brodie bite can cause poor chewing function, as the teeth don't meet properly during biting and chewing. Over time, this misalignment can lead to excessive wear on the affected teeth and may compromise their long-term health.

What Causes Crossbite  in Children?

Crossbites develop through various factors, often involving a combination of genetic and environmental influences:

Genetic Factors: Hereditary traits affecting jaw size, tooth size, and facial structure can predispose children to crossbites. If parents experienced malocclusion, their children face increased risk.

Delayed Loss of Baby Teeth: When primary teeth don't fall out on schedule, they can prevent permanent teeth from erupting in their proper positions, creating misalignment patterns.

Abnormal Eruption Patterns: Permanent teeth that emerge at unusual angles or in incorrect positions can establish crossbite relationships with opposing teeth.

Prolonged Childhood Habits: Extended thumb sucking, pacifier use beyond age three, or atypical swallowing patterns can generate persistent pressure on developing teeth and jaws. These forces can gradually push teeth out of alignment and even distort underlying bone structure during critical growth periods.

Why Early Crossbite Treatment Matters for Your Child?

Addressing crossbites during childhood—when facial bones and jaws are still actively developing—offers significant advantages over waiting until adulthood. Early intervention can prevent or minimize serious complications including:

Jaw Asymmetry and Shifting: Untreated crossbites often cause the lower jaw to shift to one side during closing, creating functional problems and potentially leading to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Lopsided Facial Growth: Persistent jaw shifting during critical development years can result in asymmetric jaw growth, creating noticeable facial imbalances that become increasingly difficult to correct as children mature.

Excessive Tooth Wear: Crossbites place abnormal stress on teeth, causing accelerated enamel wear on affected teeth. This premature wear can lead to sensitivity, increased cavity risk, and eventual need for restorative dental work.

Surgical Intervention: In severe cases where crossbites remain untreated through adolescence, jaw surgery may become necessary to correct the underlying skeletal discrepancy—a more invasive and costly option than early orthodontic treatment.

Have a consultation at Beverly Pediatric in McLean VA if your child has a Crossbite

If you've noticed signs of a crossbite in your child—such as teeth that don't align properly when biting down, jaw shifting to one side, or unusual wear patterns—taking action now can make a significant difference in their long-term oral health and development.

Beverly Pediatric Dentistry in downtown McLean provides specialized pediatric dental care focused on early detection and treatment of malocclusion issues like crossbites. Dr. M, our experienced pediatric dentist, has extensive training in childhood dental development and can evaluate your child's bite alignment, explain treatment options appropriate for their age and specific condition, and develop a customized plan to correct the crossbite before it leads to more serious complications.

Contact Beverly Pediatrric Dentistry today at 703-752-2200 to schedule a comprehensive consultation. Early intervention offers the best opportunity to guide your child's dental development toward a healthy, properly aligned bite that will serve them well throughout their lifetime.