What Are The Causes of Crossbites in Children
In a normal bite, the upper teeth close in front of the lower teeth, which facilitates biting and chewing. However, if a child has a crossbite, their lower teeth (front or back) overlap the upper ones, causing the teeth to appear crooked. A crossbite can be anterior or posterior, depending on which teeth are involved.
While they are often genetic, there are several other factors that can contribute to crossbites in children. They include:
- Smaller upper jaw than the lower jaw
- Delayed loss of baby teeth
- Frequent mouth breathing
- Long-term pacifier use
- Excessive finger/thumb sucking
If not addressed at the right time, this issue can lead to further complications that may require more invasive and complex treatments.
Treatment Options for Crossbite Correction at Our Dental Practice in Katy, TX
At our Katy dental office, we offer different types of orthodontic treatments for crossbite correction in children. Depending on your child’s specific needs, we may recommend:
Palatal Expanders
These are used to gradually widen the upper jaw and create space for aligning teeth. Palatal expanders are highly effective for treating posterior crossbites, especially during the early mixed dentition phase.
Removable Appliances
They include devices with springs or screws that can shift individual teeth. Our kids dentist recommends these appliances for correcting mild anterior crossbites in younger children.
Braces or Clear Aligners
If your child has fully erupted permanent teeth, we may suggest braces or clear aligner treatment. They help align teeth and correct crossbites by applying continuous pressure over time.
Habit-Breaking Appliances
In cases where crossbites are caused or worsened by habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting, we can address the root cause by placing a habit-breaking oral appliance.
For More Information
What Is The Right Age for Crossbite Treatment
If you notice that your child has bite issues or maligned teeth, you should consult our dentist as early as possible. Detecting a crossbite and addressing it at a young age can help prevent many complications later on.
In cases where the issue can be corrected with a palatal expander or habit appliances, we can start early on while your child’s jaws are still developing. However, braces or clear aligners are generally recommended around the age of 12 to 14.
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We’ve had a great experience here.
They are very easy to schedule with, and reschedule when necessary. They are courteous and kind and the facility is always clean. They take great care of my son’s dental needs.
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Loved this dentistry at the old location and definitely fell more in love with it this time around! There’s a really nice new play area that my daughter loved before her appointment.... Read More
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I can't thank Dr. Kim and the entire staff enough for the incredible care they provide. Taking my children to this pediatric dentist has been a precious experience, especially after having... Read More
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I would like to extended my thanks to the Flourish team for taking such great care of my son . If you are looking for the best, you've found them at this establishment. A special thanks to Megan!
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Frequently Asked Question
What happens if a crossbite is not corrected?
Is tooth removal necessary for crossbite treatment?
How long does treatment take?
Schedule A Visit Today
Worried about your child having bite issues? Consult our pediatric dentist today for crossbite correction in Katy, TX. Call us at (281) 394-2520 to schedule an appointment today.