Author: Dr Shaun Goh
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Treatment Indications & Timings
Clinical Assessment & Presentations
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Description
Posterior crossbite
“The maxillary posterior teeth are lingually positioned relative to the mandibular teeth.”
– Proffit et al. 2010
![](https://i0.wp.com/theorthoguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Posterior-crossbite-full-with-tongue-and-palate-diagram.jpg?resize=453%2C323&ssl=1)
Diagram of a bilateral posterior crossbite with skeletal discrepancy
There are several types of posterior crossbites and skeletal discrepancies
Treatment Indications
Clinical Assessment & Presentations
Extra-oral Features
➤ Narrow and long face appearance | ➤ Class III deficient maxilla | ➤ Thumb or digit sucking
Intra-oral Features
![](https://i0.wp.com/theorthoguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Posterior-crossbite-bilateral-posterior-crossbite-clinical.jpg?resize=325%2C159&ssl=1)
Bilateral posterior crossbite
![](https://i0.wp.com/theorthoguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Posterior-crossbite-unilateral-posterior-crossbite-diagram.jpg?resize=243%2C163&ssl=1)
Unilateral posterior crossbite
![](https://i0.wp.com/theorthoguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Posterior-crossbite-narrow-palate-clinical.jpg?resize=241%2C158&ssl=1)
Narrow palate
![](https://i0.wp.com/theorthoguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Posterior-crossbite-unilateral-with-functional-shift.jpg?resize=257%2C139&ssl=1)
Crossbite with functional shift
![](https://i0.wp.com/theorthoguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Posterior-crossbite-single-tooth-dental-clinical.jpg?resize=232%2C148&ssl=1)
Single tooth crossbite
![](https://i0.wp.com/theorthoguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Posterior-crossbite-dental-crowding.jpg?resize=212%2C144&ssl=1)
Displaced teeth
Diagnosis & Considerations
Diagnosis
- Dental crossbite
- Transverse skeletal discrepancies
- Associated functional shift
- Aetiology of posterior crossbite
Clinical Considerations
- Treat the aetiology
- High relapse risk
- Early skeletal expansion is more predictable
Treatment Options
Click a treatment category to explore.
➤ Early treatment / interceptive treatment
➤ Orthopaedic maxillary expansion
➤ Orthodontic management
➤ Surgical expansion and orthodontics
➤ Other treatment options
Associated Problems
Class I | Class II | Class III | Anterior open bites | Crowding | Cleft palates