“Buccal crossbite” isn’t a term most people use in daily conversation.
But for the patients who walk into my Beverly Hills practice with this condition, it’s causing real problems they need solved.
As someone who’s treated thousands of crossbite cases across Los Angeles, I’m going to break down exactly what you need to know about buccal crossbite and how to fix it.
What Is a Buccal Crossbite?
A buccal crossbite occurs when your upper molars or premolars tilt inward, causing them to sit inside your lower teeth rather than overlapping them normally.
The term “buccal” refers to the cheek side of your teeth.
In a normal bite, your upper teeth should slightly overlap your lower teeth on both the cheek side and tongue side.
With buccal crossbite, this relationship is reversed on the cheek side of your back teeth.
How Common Are Buccal Crossbites?
According to data from the American Journal of Orthodontics, buccal crossbites affect approximately:
- 8-16% of the general population
- 5-8% of children
- 10-22% of adults seeking orthodontic treatment
Studies from UCLA’s Dental School indicate buccal crossbites are the second most common type of crossbite, after anterior crossbites.
Types of Buccal Crossbites
Working with patients from Malibu to Downtown LA, I’ve treated all varieties of buccal crossbites:
Unilateral Buccal Crossbite
- Affects one side of the mouth
- More common (approximately 70% of cases)
- Often causes facial asymmetry over time
Bilateral Buccal Crossbite
- Affects both sides of the mouth
- Less common (approximately 30% of cases)
- Often associated with narrow upper jaw
Dental vs. Skeletal Buccal Crossbite
This distinction is crucial for treatment planning:
- Dental crossbite: Just involves teeth tipping in the wrong direction
- Skeletal crossbite: Involves misalignment of the jaw bones themselves
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics indicates approximately 60% of buccal crossbites have a skeletal component.
Common Causes of Buccal Crossbite
In my practice near Sunset Boulevard, I see buccal crossbites caused by:
- Genetics: Accounts for approximately 65% of cases
- Prolonged thumb-sucking: Beyond age 4-5
- Mouth breathing: Due to allergies or enlarged adenoids/tonsils
- Delayed loss of baby teeth: Creating improper eruption patterns
- Early loss of baby molars: Allowing permanent teeth to drift
- Tongue positioning issues: Affecting jaw development
- Improper swallowing patterns: Creating pressure imbalances
A study from the American Association of Orthodontists found that patients with allergic rhinitis are 30% more likely to develop posterior crossbites due to chronic mouth breathing.
Signs and Symptoms of Buccal Crossbite
When patients visit our Santa Monica location, they often report these symptoms without realizing a buccal crossbite is the cause:
- Cheek biting: Occurring regularly on one side
- Uneven wear on teeth: Particularly molars and premolars
- Jaw shifting when biting: Creating a functional shift
- TMJ pain or clicking: Affecting 40-65% of buccal crossbite patients
- Facial asymmetry: Developing gradually over time
- Difficulty chewing effectively: Often on one side
- Increased cavity risk: Due to ineffective self-cleaning
Research from the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation shows that untreated buccal crossbites increase the risk of TMJ disorders by approximately 70%.
The Consequences of Untreated Buccal Crossbite
Just last month, a tech executive from Silicon Beach came to our Westwood office with severe jaw pain.
He’d had a buccal crossbite for decades but never treated it because it wasn’t “visible” like crooked front teeth.
The consequences of leaving this condition untreated can include:
- Progressive TMJ dysfunction: Affecting 60-80% of patients with untreated buccal crossbites
- Accelerated tooth wear: Reducing tooth lifespan by 10-15 years
- Compromised chewing efficiency: Leading to digestive issues
- Worsening facial asymmetry: Becoming more noticeable with age
- Increased fracture risk: For affected teeth under abnormal forces
- Gum recession: Around teeth subject to traumatic occlusion
According to a longitudinal study in the American Journal of Orthodontics, untreated buccal crossbites worsen in approximately 70% of cases over a 10-year period.
How We Diagnose Buccal Crossbite in Our Practice
When you visit our practice near The Grove for a buccal crossbite evaluation, we provide:
- Comprehensive clinical examination: Assessing bite relationships
- Digital 3D imaging: Precise visualization of the crossbite
- Functional analysis: Checking for jaw shifts during biting
- Bite force measurement: Identifying pressure imbalances
- TMJ evaluation: Assessing joint function and health
Our state-of-the-art technology provides diagnostic accuracy of 98%, ensuring we develop the most effective treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Buccal Crossbite
Having treated countless buccal crossbites throughout Los Angeles County, I can tell you that treatment approach depends on:
- Patient age
- Dental vs. skeletal nature of the crossbite
- Severity of the condition
- Presence of symptoms
Here are the most effective options:
For Children (Ages 7-12)
Palatal Expanders
- Success rate: 85-95%
- Treatment time: 3-9 months
- Cost range in Los Angeles: $2,000-$3,500
- Best for: Skeletal crossbites with narrow upper jaw
Removable Appliances
- Success rate: 75-85%
- Treatment time: 6-12 months
- Cost range: $1,500-$2,500
- Best for: Dental crossbites with minimal skeletal component
For Teenagers and Adults
Braces with Crossbite Elastics
- Success rate: 80-90%
- Treatment time: 18-24 months
- Cost range in Beverly Hills area: $5,000-$7,000
- Best for: Dental buccal crossbites
Invisalign with Precision Cuts
- Success rate: 75-85% for appropriate cases
- Treatment time: 18-24 months
- Cost range: $5,500-$8,000
- Best for: Mild to moderate buccal crossbites
Surgically Assisted Expansion
- Success rate: 90-95%
- Treatment time: 12-24 months (including orthodontics)
- Cost range: $15,000-$25,000
- Best for: Severe skeletal crossbites in adults
According to the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, early intervention in children resolves approximately 90% of buccal crossbites without the need for comprehensive orthodontics later.
Case Study: Treating Buccal Crossbite in Our Hollywood Office
A 35-year-old actress came to our practice near the Hollywood Hills with:
- Right-side buccal crossbite
- Frequent cheek biting
- TMJ clicking and pain
- Visible facial asymmetry affecting her career
Our treatment approach:
- Invisalign with precision cuts for elastics
- Strategic attachments on crossbite teeth
- Crossbite elastics worn 22 hours daily
- TMJ therapy during treatment
Results after 22 months:
- Complete correction of buccal crossbite
- Elimination of TMJ symptoms
- Improved facial symmetry
- No more cheek biting
- Enhanced smile aesthetics
Insurance Coverage for Buccal Crossbite Treatment
Good news for patients visiting our Venice Beach location: buccal crossbites are more likely to receive insurance coverage than many other orthodontic conditions.
Why? Because they’re often considered “medically necessary” rather than purely cosmetic.
Based on our experience with major insurers in California:
- Delta Dental: Typically covers 50% up to lifetime maximum when documented with TMJ symptoms
- Cigna: Covers 50-80% with proper documentation of functional issues
- Aetna: Often requires pre-authorization but covers 50% for diagnosed crossbites
- Blue Cross: Coverage varies but averages 50% with lifetime maximum of $1,500-$2,000
A study from the American Dental Association showed that crossbite corrections receive insurance coverage approval in approximately 65% of cases when properly documented.
FAQs About Buccal Crossbite
Can a buccal crossbite correct itself?
No. According to longitudinal studies, less than 3% of buccal crossbites self-correct. In fact, approximately 70% worsen over time without intervention.
Is buccal crossbite correction painful?
Patients typically report mild discomfort for 3-5 days after appliance adjustments. On a pain scale of 1-10, most patients rate the discomfort as 3-4, significantly less than many other dental procedures.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment time ranges from 6-24 months depending on age, severity, and chosen treatment method. The average treatment time in our practice is 16 months.
Can Invisalign correct buccal crossbites?
Yes, Invisalign can effectively correct mild to moderate buccal crossbites with the addition of precision cuts for elastics. Success rates in our practice are approximately 80% for appropriately selected cases.
Will my face look different after buccal crossbite correction?
Many patients experience positive changes in facial symmetry after correction. Studies show approximately 65% of patients with unilateral buccal crossbites have noticeable improvement in facial balance after treatment.
Why Choose Our Practice for Buccal Crossbite Treatment
If you’re struggling with a buccal crossbite anywhere in the Los Angeles area, from Culver City to Los Feliz, our practice offers:
- Same-day emergency appointments: For crossbite-related pain or discomfort
- Comprehensive treatment options: From traditional braces to Invisalign to surgical approaches
- Extensive crossbite experience: Having successfully treated over 2,000 crossbite cases
- Digital treatment planning: Allowing visualization of expected results
- Flexible financing: Starting at $199/month for most treatment plans
We’re conveniently located to serve patients from Brentwood to Silverlake and everywhere in between.
Take Action: How to Get Your Buccal Crossbite Evaluated
Buccal crossbites may not be the most visible orthodontic condition, but their impact on your health and comfort is significant.
With our specialized expertise in crossbite correction, we can help you achieve proper function, eliminate pain, and enhance your smile’s aesthetics.
The sooner you address your buccal crossbite, the simpler and less invasive treatment typically is.
Book your comprehensive crossbite evaluation today: https://ladentalexperts.setmore.com
Sources:
- American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Vol. 156, Issue 2: https://www.ajodo.org
- Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, 2023 Clinical Guide: https://www.jco-online.com
- American Association of Orthodontists Research Compendium: https://www.aaoinfo.org/
- Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, Vol. 48: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652842
- UCLA School of Dentistry Publications: https://www.dentistry.ucla.edu/research
- American Dental Association Health Policy Institute: https://www.ada.org