Crossbite & Open Bite Treatment in Bangalore
Teeth not meeting properly? Discover effective treatments to correct crossbites, open bites, and achieve proper bite alignment.
Understanding Crossbite and Open Bite
Crossbite and open bite are bite problems where teeth don't align properly when the mouth is closed. Both conditions affect function and should be corrected for optimal oral health.
Crossbite Occurs when upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth instead of outside. This can happen in the front (anterior crossbite) or back (posterior crossbite) of the mouth.
Open Bite Occurs when the upper and lower teeth don't touch when the mouth is closed, leaving a visible gap. This can happen in the front (anterior open bite) or back (posterior open bite).
At Curve Orthodontics in Bangalore, Dr. Garima Gupta (MDS Orthodontics) provides comprehensive treatment for crossbites and open bites. Early treatment is often beneficial, but adults can also achieve excellent results.
Signs of Crossbite & Open Bite
Teeth Don't Meet Properly
Upper and lower teeth don't come together normally—one side may hit before the other (crossbite) or teeth may not touch at all (open bite).
Gap When Biting Down
With an open bite, you can see a visible gap between upper and lower front teeth even when biting down fully.
Difficulty Biting Foods
Open bites make it hard to bite into foods like sandwiches or apples because front teeth can't meet to cut food.
Jaw Shifts When Closing
With crossbite, the jaw may shift to one side when closing to accommodate the abnormal tooth positions.
Speech Issues
Open bites can affect speech, causing lisping or difficulty with certain sounds due to air escaping through the gap.
TMJ Discomfort
Both conditions can strain the jaw joint, causing pain, clicking, or difficulty opening the mouth fully.
Types of Crossbite
Anterior Crossbite One or more upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth. This can affect a single tooth or multiple teeth and may look similar to an underbite.
Posterior Crossbite Upper back teeth (molars/premolars) sit inside the lower back teeth on one or both sides. Often caused by a narrow upper jaw.
Crossbite Causes:
- Narrow upper jaw (palate)
- Delayed loss of baby teeth
- Abnormal tooth eruption
- Genetic factors
- Mouth breathing affecting jaw development
Types of Open Bite
Anterior Open Bite Front teeth don't touch when back teeth are closed. Most common type—affects biting and speech.
Posterior Open Bite Back teeth don't touch when front teeth are closed. Less common but affects chewing function.
Open Bite Causes:
- Tongue thrust (pushing tongue against teeth when swallowing)
- Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use
- Skeletal growth patterns
- Mouth breathing
- Genetic factors
Effects of Untreated Crossbite & Open Bite
Crossbite Consequences:
- Uneven jaw growth (especially in children)
- Asymmetric facial development
- Abnormal tooth wear
- TMJ problems and jaw pain
- Gum recession from abnormal forces
Open Bite Consequences:
- Difficulty biting and chewing
- Speech difficulties
- Excessive wear on back teeth
- TMJ strain
- Self-consciousness about appearance
Treatment Options
Metal Braces
Highly effective for correcting crossbites and open bites. Provide precise control for complex bite corrections.
Ceramic Braces
Same effectiveness as metal braces with a more aesthetic appearance. Good option for adult bite correction.
Palate Expander
Widens a narrow upper jaw to correct posterior crossbite. Most effective in growing children but options exist for adults.
Clear Aligners
Can treat mild crossbites and some open bites. May use elastics or attachments for enhanced effectiveness.
How Treatment Works
Crossbite Treatment
In Children:
- Palate Expander: Widens the upper jaw to allow upper teeth to fit outside lower teeth. Most effective before age 14-15.
- Braces: After expansion, braces fine-tune tooth positions.
- Early Treatment: Addressing crossbite early prevents asymmetric jaw growth.
In Adults:
- Braces: Can tip teeth into correct position for mild cases.
- Surgically-Assisted Expansion: For adults who need significant palate widening.
- Orthognathic Surgery: For severe skeletal crossbites.
Open Bite Treatment
Addressing the Cause:
- Habit cessation (tongue thrust therapy, stopping thumb sucking)
- Myofunctional therapy to retrain tongue posture
Orthodontic Treatment:
- Intrusion: Moving back teeth up (intrusion) to allow front teeth to meet.
- Extrusion: Moving front teeth down to close the gap.
- TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices): Mini-screws that help intrude teeth effectively.
- Surgery: For severe skeletal open bites that can't be corrected with orthodontics alone.
Treatment Duration
| Condition | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Single-tooth crossbite | 6-12 months |
| Posterior crossbite (with expansion) | 12-18 months |
| Mild open bite | 18-24 months |
| Moderate open bite | 24-30 months |
Crossbite & Open Bite FAQs
What exactly is a crossbite?
A crossbite occurs when upper teeth sit inside lower teeth instead of slightly outside them (the normal position). Imagine your upper arch as a lid that should fit over the lower arch—in a crossbite, parts of the lid are tucked inside instead. This can affect front teeth (anterior crossbite) or back teeth (posterior crossbite).
What is an open bite?
An open bite occurs when upper and lower teeth don't touch when you bite down, leaving a visible gap. In an anterior open bite (most common), you can't bite through food with your front teeth. In a posterior open bite, back teeth don't meet, affecting chewing.
Can braces fix an open bite?
Yes, many open bites can be corrected with braces. Treatment may include intrusion of back teeth, extrusion of front teeth, or a combination. TADs (mini-screws) can enhance treatment effectiveness. Severe skeletal open bites may require surgery combined with braces.
When should children be treated for crossbite?
Early treatment for crossbite is often recommended—typically between ages 7-10. At this age, the jaw is still growing and can be guided with palate expanders. Waiting too long can allow asymmetric jaw growth that's harder to correct later.
How long does crossbite or open bite treatment take?
A single-tooth crossbite might be corrected in 6-12 months. Posterior crossbites with expansion typically take 12-18 months. Open bites are more complex, often requiring 18-30 months. The exact duration depends on severity and whether habits like tongue thrust need correction.
Will my open bite come back after treatment?
Open bites can relapse if the underlying cause isn't addressed. If tongue thrust or other habits contributed to the open bite, myofunctional therapy is important to retrain proper tongue posture. With proper habit correction and retention, results are stable.
Get Your Bite Assessed
Schedule a consultation to understand your crossbite or open bite and explore the best treatment options for lasting correction.
Crossbite & Open Bite Treatment Near You in Bangalore
Curve Orthodontics is conveniently located on Haralur Main Road, serving patients from Sarjapur Road, Bellandur, HSR Layout, Electronic City, Kudlu, and Silver County Road.
Clinic Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am - 8pm
Address: 1st Floor, SSK Arcade, Haralur Main Rd, Bengaluru, KA 560102
Dr. Garima Gupta (MDS Orthodontics) provides expert crossbite and open bite treatment for all ages. Learn about other conditions we treat →