How to solve a skewed facial structure caused by the lower teeth overlapping the upper teeth

24/09/2024 Dental Illness

Facial asymmetry can occur from issues like the lower teeth overlapping the upper teeth, crowded teeth, misaligned teeth, or improper bite. Many people in Thailand face these problems, which can lead to feelings of embarrassment, reluctance to smile, and even affect daily life. But don’t worry! There are solutions to fix these dental problems, and we have gathered useful information about the lower teeth overlapping the upper teeth to share with you. 

What is Crossbite

“Crossbite” is a dental condition where the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. Medically, this is referred to as “prognathism” or “underbite.” It can occur in primary teeth, mixed dentition, or permanent teeth. The severity can range from a slight protrusion of the lower teeth to significant displacement, creating a gap between the upper and lower teeth. This misalignment leads to the inability to bite properly, causing a skewed facial structure with an abnormally protruding chin. 

Causes of Lower Teeth Overlapping Upper Teeth (Crossbite)

The condition of lower teeth overlapping upper teeth can arise from various factors, such as genetics, jaw structure, or certain behaviors. These include: 

• Genetics: The inherited structure of the jaw and teeth is a significant factor that can lead to prognathism, lower teeth overlapping upper teeth, and misalignment. 

• Congenital Abnormalities: Certain diseases can affect the development of oral structures, leading to improper teeth alignment, such as in cases of cleft lip and palate. 

• Abnormal Jaw Development: When the size, shape, or growth of the jawbones on either side is uneven, it can result in lower teeth overlapping upper teeth, leading to an underbite and misalignment. 

• Behavioral Habits: Habits like thumb sucking, prolonged use of pacifiers, late weaning off bottles, or frequent tongue thrusting on the front teeth can push the teeth out of proper alignment, causing lower teeth to overlap the upper teeth. 

Problems Caused by Lower Teeth Overlapping Upper Teeth (Crossbite)

The problems arising from the condition of lower teeth overlapping upper teeth depend on the gap between the lower and upper teeth, which can affect daily life in several ways, such as: 

• Difficulty biting, chewing, or eating food 

• Problems with speech 

• Tooth wear or damage 

• Pain in the jaw area 

• Jaw pain, difficulty opening the mouth fully, and chronic headaches 

Treatment for Lower Teeth Overlapping Upper Teeth (Crossbite)

The treatment for lower teeth overlapping upper teeth can be done through both orthodontics and surgery. The dentist will assess the severity of the condition and the characteristics of the teeth, as follows: 

• Orthodontics
  If the condition of lower teeth overlapping upper teeth is not severe or complicated, it can be treated with braces, without the need for surgery. For children, whose growth is not yet complete, treatment is easier and can be done by moving the lower teeth back into the mouth and expanding the upper teeth to cover the lower teeth. Various types of braces can be used, such as clear aligners, metal braces, ceramic braces, or Damon braces. 

• Surgery
  If the jaw structure is excessively protruding, it cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone and surgery will be required alongside orthodontic treatment. This will help address the protruding jaw accurately. An orthodontist will work together with a surgeon to achieve the best result. 

Lower teeth overlapping upper teeth is a condition that can be corrected. The best approach is to consult with a dentist early, as the longer it is left untreated, the more it will affect daily life, including physical health, mental well-being, and appearance. Additionally, it is important to have regular oral health check-ups every year to allow the dentist to observe any other symptoms that may develop into oral diseases and treat them promptly.