How do you fix a crossbite?!
Question:
How do you fix a crossbite?
I have a crossbite and right now I have spacers in. Next week im going in to the orthadonist again.They said the next appointment will be the worst.AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!Has anyone ever experienced this situation?If so inform me.Thanks
Answers:
Anterior crossbite - a front upper tooth (or teeth) is behind the lower teeth when you bite down all the way.
Posterior crossbite - upper teeth in the back of your mouth sit to the inside of the lower teeth.
An anterior crossbite is corrected by placing braces on some (or all) of the upper teeth to pull the tooth (teeth) in crossbite forward. You may be given a bite-plane, which is similar to a retainer, to keep you from biting down all the way for 2-4 weeks until the tooth (teeth) moves into the correct position.
A posterior crossbite is corrected by either: 1. a palatal expander, alone; 2. a palatal expander and upper (and possibly lower) braces; 3. upper (and lower?) braces, if it's not a severe crossbite.
A rapid palatal expander, or RPE, is a fixed (not removeable) appliance that widens your upper arch. There are removeable expanders, we just don't use them in our office. You can probably find pictures of them (and the bite-plane) at archwired.com.
They were probably just trying to prepare you for an long appointment. Someone in the office would probably be glad to explain everything to you if you call them.