Crossbite Correction Appliances in Utah

A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth when biting down — often affecting either the front teeth, back teeth, or both. Without treatment, crossbites can lead to jaw growth issues, uneven tooth wear, and long-term functional problems. At Utah Orthodontic Care, we use a range of crossbite correction appliances as part of Phase I Orthodontic Treatment to guide young patients toward proper bite alignment during their formative years.

Early detection and correction of crossbites are key to supporting normal facial development and preventing more complex interventions later. Our experienced orthodontists customize treatment based on each child’s age, growth pattern, and dental development stage.

A crossbite can affect one or multiple teeth and may involve either the front (anterior crossbite) or back teeth (posterior crossbite). This misalignment can stem from:

• Abnormal jaw growth
• Narrow upper jaw
• Retained baby teeth or early loss of primary teeth
• Delayed eruption of permanent teeth
• Habitual behaviors like thumb sucking or mouth breathing

If left uncorrected, a crossbite may cause:

• Asymmetric jaw growth
• Uneven tooth wear or enamel erosion
• Gum recession
• TMJ discomfort
• Difficulty with chewing or speaking

The earlier this condition is identified, the more easily it can be treated using interceptive orthodontics, including functional appliances or palatal expanders.

At Utah Orthodontic Care, we offer several appliances to correct crossbites depending on the location and severity of the misalignment:

1. Palatal Expanders
   These fixed or removable devices gradually widen the upper jaw to correct posterior crossbites caused by a narrow palate. They are commonly used in younger children while the jaw is still developing.
2. Reverse Pull Headgear (Facemask)
   This appliance gently pulls the upper jaw forward, often used in skeletal crossbite cases where the upper jaw is underdeveloped. It may be combined with an expander or distalizers for comprehensive correction.
3. Lower Lingual Holding Arch with Expansion
   In some cases, we may modify space maintainers like the lower lingual holding arch to support molar alignment and jaw development as part of crossbite management.
4. Anterior Bite Plates or Inclined Planes
   For anterior crossbites, removable or fixed appliances are used to help reposition the front teeth by guiding the bite into the correct position.

Each of these options is tailored to your child’s orthodontic needs and may be integrated with other treatments like limited braces or habit appliances if necessary.