Posterior Cross-Bite

Posterior Cross Bite

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Offering the Best Solutions for Your Cross Bite

This occurs when your upper back teeth sit inside the lower back teeth. It can involve one or multiple teeth. It can be on one side or both sides.
posterior cross bite image

Possible Causes

The causes can be:
  • Dental. i.e. one or more upper back teeth can be tipped inwards
  • Skeletal i.e. the upper +/- lower jaw bones are involved. Commonly the upper jaw is narrow relative to the lower jaw. If this is very severe, both sides will be in cross-bite

Possible Problems

A posterior cross-bite can be associated with traumatic occlusion and jaw displacement to the side. The latter can affect the symmetry of the lower jaw during growth. Hence, is best seen by an orthodontist early approx. 8 – 10 year of age.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause and severity. It can range from using simple upper arch expansion with a plate or fixed expander (for example, Quadhelix). In more severe types involving the jaw bone, a more rigid RME (Rapid Maxillary Expander) is required. Furthermore, in severe cases over 15 years of age, surgery is required in conjunction with the RME.

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