How to treat underbite (crossbite)
Sep 22, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, "di bao tian" refers to reverse occlusion (underbite). Reverse occlusion may be caused by genetic factors, prolonged retention or premature loss of primary teeth,不良 oral habits, rickets, pituitary hyperfunction, or other reasons. If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to visit a正规 hospital and, under the guidance of a doctor, receive appropriate treatment such as medication, orthodontic therapy, tooth reshaping, or orthognathic surgery.
Under normal circumstances, "underbite" refers to malocclusion (crossbite). Crossbite may be caused by genetic factors, retained primary teeth or premature tooth loss,不良 oral habits, rickets, pituitary hyperfunction, and other reasons. Treatment options include orthodontic therapy, dental abrasion, orthognathic surgery, and drug therapy, all of which should be conducted under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Genetic Factors
Genetic inheritance leading to excessive mandibular bone development may result in facial disproportion and noticeable forward protrusion of the lower jaw, causing crossbite. Regular facial muscle exercises can help, and under medical supervision, orthodontic treatment such as braces or aligners can be used to adjust the position of teeth and jawbones to improve the condition. The reference cost is generally 5,000–10,000 yuan per session. Improvement may become apparent within 1–2 weeks, but possible side effects include oral discomfort, chewing difficulties, and tooth sensitivity.
2. Retained Primary Teeth or Premature Loss
If primary teeth fail to fall out on time or are lost prematurely, it can affect the growth and alignment of permanent teeth, resulting in misalignment and potentially causing the lower jaw to protrude, leading to crossbite. Regular dental check-ups are recommended to timely extract retained primary teeth. Under a dentist’s advice, dental abrasion may be used—shaping teeth to improve their alignment and bite relationship, thereby correcting crossbite. The reference cost is approximately 500–1,000 yuan per session, with improvement typically seen within 2–3 days. However, this may cause tooth sensitivity or soreness.
3. Poor Oral Habits
Long-term habits such as lip biting or finger sucking may interfere with jawbone development, lead to unbalanced facial muscle growth, and cause the lower jaw to protrude, resulting in crossbite. It is important to correct these不良 habits in daily life. Additionally, orthognathic surgery performed by a professional can directly reposition the upper and lower jaws to resolve crossbite. The typical reference cost ranges from 10,000 to 50,000 yuan per procedure, with visible improvement usually occurring within 3–6 months. Possible postoperative symptoms include swelling, pain, and bleeding.
4. Rickets
Rickets is primarily caused by insufficient vitamin D synthesis in the skin, rapid growth and development, or medication effects. It may lead to bone softening and contribute to crossbite. Symptoms may include softened mandible and body deformities. Patients can take medications such as vitamin D drops, calcium carbonate D3 tablets, or calcium acetate granules as prescribed by a physician.
5. Pituitary Hyperfunction
Thyroid disorders or pituitary diseases may lead to pituitary hyperfunction, causing abnormal pituitary activity and excessive secretion of growth hormone, which results in abnormal skeletal growth throughout the body and may manifest as crossbite. Common accompanying symptoms include irritability and insomnia. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as oryzanol tablets, octreotide acetate injection, or cyproheptadine hydrochloride tablets to alleviate symptoms.
It is recommended to visit正规 medical institutions and undergo the above treatments under the guidance of qualified professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, avoiding不良 oral behaviors like lip biting or thumb sucking, ensuring balanced nutrition, and sufficient intake of vitamins and calcium are also essential to prevent conditions such as bone softening.
