Surgery for Crossbite

Understanding the Skeletal Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when the upper and lower jaws are mismatched in width or lateral alignment, causing the upper teeth to sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. While a “dental crossbite” involves teeth that are simply tilted, a skeletal crossbite is rooted in the bone structure itself.

In most cases, this means the upper jaw (maxilla) is too narrow compared to the lower jaw, or the lower jaw has shifted significantly to one side. At Love Your Jaws Surgery Center, we specialize in the surgical realignment of these skeletal discrepancies to restore both facial harmony and dental function.

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Why Braces Aren’t Always Enough

Orthodontics (braces or clear aligners) are excellent at moving teeth, but they cannot change the physical width or position of the jawbone in adults. If the underlying bone is the primary issue, “camouflaging” the problem with braces can lead to unstable results.

Correcting a skeletal crossbite is vital for several long-term health reasons:

• Preventing Facial Asymmetry: If a crossbite is left untreated, the jaw often shifts to one side to find a comfortable “resting” position. Over time, this can cause the jaw to grow unevenly, leading to a lopsided or asymmetrical facial appearance.
• Protecting Gum and Bone Health: Crossbites cause teeth to strike each other at abnormal, traumatic angles. This “occlusal trauma” frequently leads to premature tooth wear, gum recession, and localized bone loss.
• Restoring Bilateral Chewing: Many patients with skeletal crossbites find they can only chew comfortably on one side of their mouth. This puts excessive strain on the TMJ (jaw joint) and can lead to chronic pain and headaches.

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The Love Your Jaws Surgical Approach

Correcting a skeletal crossbite requires a high degree of precision. Dr. Kroum Dimitrov utilizes 3D Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) to create a digital roadmap of your unique anatomy before the procedure even begins.

Common Surgical Solutions:

1. SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion): For a narrow upper jaw, Dr. Dimitrov performs a precise procedure to “unlock” the maxillary bone, allowing an orthodontic expander to widen the jaw to its proper dimensions.
2. LeFort I Osteotomy: In cases where the upper jaw needs to be shifted laterally or widened in segments, this procedure allows for total repositioning to match the lower arch.
3. Mandibular Movement: If the crossbite is caused by a shifted lower jaw, we perform a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) to center the jaw with your facial midline.

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The Patient Experience & Recovery

We understand that the prospect of jaw surgery can be intimidating. That is why our South Miami surgical suite is designed for maximum comfort and safety.

• Precision and Comfort: By using 3D-guided technology, Dr. Dimitrov ensures that incisions are targeted and tissue disruption is minimized. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by the manageable recovery period.
• Expert Anesthesia: We offer a full range of anesthesia options to ensure you are completely comfortable and relaxed throughout your procedure.
• A Symmetrical Future: Our goal is to align your dental midline with your facial center, giving you a smile that isn’t just straight, but perfectly balanced with your face.

Why Choose Dr. Kroum Dimitrov?

With elite training from the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital and over 730 five-star reviews, Dr. Dimitrov is a leader in South Florida orthognathic surgery. He combines the technical rigors of bone biology with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.

Align Your Smile with Your Life. If you’ve been told your crossbite is “skeletal,” it’s time to talk to a specialist. Schedule Your 3D Consultation at Love Your Jaws Today!