What exactly is a dental crossbite?  A dental crossbite occurs when there is a reverse position of one or more teeth in your mouth.  As you bite your teeth together, the upper and lower teeth do not meet in the way they should and are in an improper position in relation to one another.

In other words, when you have a dental crossbite the upper teeth do not match the lower teeth in a particular area or side of your mouth.  Your upper teeth are supposed to be outside your lower teeth on both sides of your mouth.  When a crossbite happens, certain upper teeth are inside the lower teeth or vice versa.

When you have a dental crossbite, the actual width of your palate is normal, but the teeth in your mouth are in reversed positions.  Dental crossbites can occur due to unusual tooth eruptions, genetic predisposition or the existence of certain behaviors during development, such as thumb sucking.  Thumb sucking can constrict the palate and cause the upper jaw to get deformed, creating a dental crossbite.

There are several ways to resolve dental crossbite, which is best addressed while the teeth and mouth are still developing.  If you have dental crossbite, visit your dentist today to discuss dental and orthodontic options for a picture perfect smile.