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What is a Crossbite? Causes, Effects, and Treatment
When it comes to bite misalignment, crossbites are one of the most common, yet often overlooked, orthodontic issues. A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside, as they should. This can happen with a single tooth or a group of teeth, and it can affect the front (anterior crossbite) or the back (posterior crossbite) of the mouth.

While it may not seem like a big deal at first, untreated crossbites can lead to serious oral health problems, including jaw pain, tooth wear, and even gum disease. Thankfully, crossbites are treatable with the right orthodontic care. In this post, we’ll explore what causes a crossbite, its effects on your health, and the best treatments available.

What Causes a Crossbite?
Several factors can contribute to the development of a crossbite. These include:

Genetics: Much like other dental issues, crossbites can run in families. If parents or siblings have a crossbite, there's a higher likelihood that children will develop one too.

Delayed or Abnormal Tooth Eruption: Sometimes, baby teeth fall out too early, or adult teeth take longer than expected to emerge. This can lead to misalignment in the bite.

Thumb Sucking or Prolonged Use of Pacifiers: Habits such as thumb sucking or extended use of pacifiers beyond infancy can alter the natural position of teeth and lead to crossbites.

Mouth Breathing: Chronic mouth breathing due to allergies or other nasal obstructions can affect jaw development, leading to bite misalignment.

Misaligned Jaw Growth: Uneven or improper jaw growth can result in an upper or lower jaw that is larger or smaller than the other, contributing to a crossbite.

Effects of a Crossbite on Oral Health
While a crossbite may not cause immediate discomfort, it can lead to several long-term issues that affect both dental and overall health:

Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders: When the teeth do not align properly, it places extra stress on the jaw muscles, leading to jaw pain and, in severe cases, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Tooth Wear and Damage: Crossbites cause abnormal pressure on certain teeth, leading to uneven wear and, eventually, tooth damage. Over time, this can result in broken or chipped teeth.

Gum Recession: Crossbites can push certain teeth outward or inward in unnatural ways, which can lead to gum recession and even gum disease over time. This increases the risk of tooth loss.

Difficulty Chewing and Speaking: Misaligned teeth can make it harder to chew food properly or speak clearly, affecting daily life and self-confidence.

Facial Asymmetry: In severe cases, an untreated crossbite can cause the facial muscles to develop unevenly, leading to noticeable facial asymmetry.

How is a Crossbite Treated?
The good news is that crossbites are highly treatable with the right orthodontic care. Depending on the severity and the patient’s age, there are several options available:

Braces: Traditional braces are often the most effective treatment for correcting a crossbite, especially in younger patients. Braces apply pressure to gradually shift the teeth into the correct position.

Clear Aligners (Invisalign): For adults or older teens seeking a more discreet option, clear aligners like Invisalign can be used to treat mild to moderate crossbites. These custom-made trays gradually move the teeth into place.

Palatal Expanders: If a child’s upper jaw is too narrow, a palatal expander can be used to widen the upper arch and correct the bite. This treatment is typically recommended for younger patients since the bones are still growing and more flexible.

Surgical Options: In severe cases where the crossbite is due to jaw misalignment, orthognathic surgery may be needed to reposition the jaw and correct the bite. This is typically only required in extreme cases.

Elastics or Rubber Bands: Sometimes, rubber bands are used alongside braces or clear aligners to improve bite alignment and ensure the upper and lower teeth fit together properly.

Why See an Orthodontist for Crossbite Treatment?
While general dentists can offer some orthodontic treatments, seeing a specialist like an orthodontist ensures that your crossbite will be addressed with the highest level of care and expertise. Orthodontists have additional years of specialized training that equip them to diagnose and treat bite issues like crossbites.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we have extensive experience in treating crossbites in both children and adults. Early treatment can help prevent more severe problems down the road, so don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation. We’ll develop a customized treatment plan to give you a healthy, well-aligned smile.

Conclusion
A crossbite is more than just a cosmetic concern—it can impact your dental health and overall quality of life. If you or your child has a crossbite, it’s important to seek treatment early to avoid complications. Whether you need braces, clear aligners, or another orthodontic solution, Strouse Orthodontics is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about your options and start your journey toward a healthy, beautiful smile.

An overbite, also known as a "deep bite" or "vertical overlap," is one of the most common orthodontic issues. It occurs when the upper front teeth extend significantly over the lower front teeth, leading to an uneven bite and potentially causing various dental problems if left untreated.

What Causes an Overbite?

Overbites can develop due to several factors, many of which are rooted in genetics or habits formed during childhood. Some common causes include:

Genetics: Overbites often run in families. If one or both parents had an overbite, there's a higher chance their children will also develop one.

Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Use: Prolonged thumb sucking or excessive pacifier use during childhood can push the upper teeth forward, leading to an overbite.

Tongue Thrusting: This habit involves the tongue pushing against the upper front teeth, contributing to the development of an overbite over time.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Constant grinding of the teeth can wear down tooth enamel and change the alignment, worsening an overbite.

Jaw Development: The development of the upper and lower jaws may be disproportionate, causing the upper jaw to protrude more than the lower jaw.

What Are the Effects of an Overbite?

While a mild overbite might not cause immediate problems, a severe overbite can have various long-term effects on your dental health, appearance, and overall well-being:

Worn Teeth: The upper teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively, causing uneven wear and increasing the risk of tooth enamel damage.

Jaw Pain: Overbites can contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, leading to chronic jaw pain, headaches, and discomfort when chewing or speaking.

Speech Impairment: Severe overbites can affect speech by altering the placement of the tongue during speaking, leading to issues such as lisps.

Gum Damage: When the lower front teeth are in constant contact with the gum line of the upper teeth, they can wear down the gums, increasing the risk of gum disease and recession.

Esthetic Concerns: A noticeable overbite can affect the symmetry and appearance of your smile, making some people feel self-conscious about their appearance.

How is an Overbite Treated?

Fortunately, overbites can be effectively treated through orthodontic interventions. The treatment plan depends on the severity of the overbite, age of the patient, and overall dental health. Here are some common options:

Braces: One of the most common treatments for correcting an overbite is traditional braces. Braces apply steady pressure on the teeth, gradually shifting them into proper alignment over time.

Clear Aligners (Invisalign): For those seeking a more discreet option, clear aligners like Invisalign can effectively correct mild to moderate overbites gradually repositioning the teeth similar to braces.

Orthodontic Appliances: In children or younger patients, orthodontic appliances such as a growth modification device can help guide jaw growth and prevent the overbite from worsening.

Surgical Correction: In extreme cases where the overbite is caused by a significant jaw discrepancy, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to correct the position of the jaw.

Why Seek Treatment from an Orthodontist?

When it comes to treating an overbite, it’s important to see a specialist like an orthodontist. Orthodontists undergo additional years of specialized training beyond dental school, allowing them to diagnose and treat complex bite issues more effectively. While some general dentists may offer orthodontic services, they do not have the same level of expertise in managing and correcting occlusion(bite) issues like overbites.

Delaying treatment or relying on a non Orthodontist can result in more severe dental problems down the line, often requiring more complex and expensive interventions later on. By seeking early treatment from an orthodontist, you can ensure the best possible outcome for your dental health and overall quality of life.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we specialize in correcting overbites and other bite issues using the latest orthodontic technology. If you or your child is experiencing an overbite, schedule a consultation today to explore your treatment options. A healthy, aligned smile is just a visit away!

Ensuring a child's healthy tooth and jaw development is a top priority. When it comes to dental health, one tool that is sometimes used on growing children by an orthodontist is a palate expander. Below I will review palate expanders; what are they, how do they work and who might need one. This guide will provide you with all the essential information to understand palate expanders and their role in orthodontic treatment.

What is a Palate Expander

A palate expander is an orthodontic device used to widen the upper jaw (also known as the palate). It’s typically made of two halves connected in the middle by a screw. This device is custom-made to fit your child’s mouth and is usually anchored to the upper teeth. At our office, no goopy molds are used and a custom digital model is made. Over time, the expander gently pushes the two halves of the upper jaw apart, gradually increasing the width of the palate.

How Does a Palate Expander Work?

The upper jaw consists of two bones that do not fully fuse together until later in adolescence. The age varies amongst patients, but typically fuses after puberty. A palate expander takes advantage of this natural flexibility in younger patients by slowly and gently separating these two bones. The screw in the center of the expander is turned regularly, usually by a parent, using a special key. Each turn widens the expander slightly, encouraging the bones to move apart and the palate to widen.

This process creates additional space in the upper jaw, which can correct issues related to crowding, misalignment, and bite problems. Once the desired expansion is achieved, the device remains in place for 6-12 months to allow new bone to form in the gap, solidifying the new position.

How Does My Child Keep it Clean

A water flosser can be very helpful to flush what is stuck in the expander out. Normal brushing and flossing can still be done as normal.

Will the Expander Be Painful?

Most patients describe the sensation when the expander is turning and just after as some "pressure". This discomfort is due to the pressure being applied to the teeth and jaw to achieve the expansion. It’s not typically described as pain, but rather a feeling of pressure. Putting the expander on does not hurt at all. Over the Counter pain relievers can help with any feeling of pressure.

Does an Expander affect Speech?

An expander may affect speech in the first few days or weeks: This is because the expander can alter the way the tongue moves and how air flows during speech. Some patients might experience a lisp or other slight speech impediments shortly after the expander is placed, however this usually resolves quickly.

Who Might Need a Palate Expander?

A palate expander might be recommended for several reasons:

• Crossbite: A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. Expanding the upper jaw can correct this misalignment, ensuring a proper bite.
• Impacted Teeth: Sometimes, permanent teeth can become impacted (trapped in the gum) because there isn’t enough room for them to emerge. Creating additional space can help these teeth come in correctly.
• Narrow Jaw: Some children have a naturally narrow upper jaw, which can lead to a variety of dental issues. A palate expander can widen the jaw to improve overall dental health and function.

Benefits of Palate Expander

Prevent the Need for Tooth Extractions: By creating space, an expander can often prevent the need for extracting permanent teeth to alleviate crowding.

Improve Airway: Some patients can find benefits in improving the airway from an expander as the widening of the upper jaw can facilitate breathing through the nose and expanding the nasal airway. This can help with a variety of common health issues. Palate expanders have been found to have beneficial effects on bed wetting, snoring and sleep apnea.

Improve Bite and Alignment: Correcting crossbites and aligning the upper and lower jaws can prevent future dental issues and improve overall bite function.

Facilitates Future Orthodontic Treatment: Expanding the palate can make future orthodontic treatments, such as braces, more effective and less complicated and more predictable

A palate expander is a powerful tool in orthodontic treatment, especially for children whose jaws are still developing. If a palate expander is recommended for your child, understanding how it works and the benefits it offers can help you feel confident in the decision. With the right care and guidance, your child will be on the path to a healthier, more beautiful smile.

If you have any questions or concerns about palate expanders or your child’s orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. We’re here to provide the best possible care for your child’s smile in Hernando and Citrus County, Florida with offices in Spring Hill, FL and Lecanto FL!

Improving your smile and bite is something both exciting and can provide a lifetime of benefits. At our orthodontic practice, we often encounter patients who are unsure whether they should seek orthodontic care from a general dentist or an orthodontist. Understanding the differences in qualifications and training between these two types of dental professionals is essential for making an informed decision about your orthodontic treatment. Let’s explore the unique roles of dentists and orthodontists, and why specialized orthodontic care can make a significant difference in achieving the best results.

Formal Orthodontic Education

After dental school, which is 4 years, orthodontists return to school for 24-36 months of full time training through a residency program accredited by the American Dental Association(ADA) and the Commission on Dental Accreditation(CODA). These are highly competitive specialty programs, requiring dental students to usually graduate at the top of their class and achieve high test scores. During these programs residents are devoted full time to learn how to properly diagnose and treat any type of orthodontic case. In all these programs can run upwards of 5000 hours of intensive supervised training by orthodontic faculty.

Dental Education

Dental school is 4 years, and is very intensive and challenging in itself. In dental school students learn about all areas of dentistry from cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals and more. The clinical and didactic training prepares dentists to perform these routine type procedures. One area that is not focused on in dental school is orthodontics. Most dental schools orthodontic training is several lectures on the basics of malocclusion and then a few days shadowing in the orthodontic residency clinic. Given that orthodontic treatment takes 1-3 years and is ongoing, dental schools do not train students in orthodontic care, but give the most fundamental background on what orthodontics is. Because orthodontists have to go to dental school first they know exactly what type of exposure dental students are given. As a dental student, I performed no orthodontic treatment on any patients, but given my interest, spent additional time shadowing in the orthodontic clinics to learn as much as I could and show my interest to the faculty.

Legality

It is completely legal for dentists to do orthodontic work. Despite the little to zero training in orthodontics, once a dentist has their license they can legally perform all dental procedures, no matter what their experience is.

Weekend Courses

Given that dentists do not receive orthodontic training in school, courses to learn orthodontics are very common. It is very challenging to be accepted to orthodontic residency so many dentists try to learn how through these types of courses. Many of these courses are for-profit by companies and vendors with the only qualification being paying enrollment fees. There are no admission criteria for these courses. These courses usually take place over a weekend and are held in hotels or conference centers. Often, they lack hands-on clinical experience, and providers likely won't perform any treatment on real patients before offering these services in their own practice. Once the seminar is over, there is no ongoing support or oversight for the progression of treatment. If complications arise, the instructor from the weekend course is no longer available to provide assistance to the dentist that signed up for the class. It would certainly be difficult to replicate the comprehensive training an orthodontic resident receives over a weekend. Often in these courses, dentists are told that they will be able to go back to their offices on Monday and start offering this service! They may even tell you that they can complete it faster and cheaper then anyone else after completing their course.

What Does This Mean?

While your dentist can legally perform orthodontic care, an orthodontic specialist is most qualified to complete orthodontic treatment given their training. Imagine if you found out the the provider completing your or your child's knee surgery learned about the procedure at a course a year ago and has never completed one themselves! Just like you would not seek your general doctor to perform heart surgery, orthopedic joint replacement or brain surgery, it is best to seek an orthodontic specialist for the services of your smile and bite. You only get one set of teeth and they should be trusted to an orthodontic specialist.