Crossbite

The clinical definition for a crossbite is "an abnormal relation of one or more teeth of one arch to the opposing tooth or teeth of the other arch, caused by deviation of tooth position or abnormal jaw position." But unless you're a health professional, this definition probably makes you say, "Huh?"

In lay terms, a unilateral posterior crossbite is what occurs when your upper teeth fall inside your lower teeth on one side when you bite down. An anterior crossbite, which is similar to an underbite, is what occurs when your top front teeth fall behind your lower front teeth when you bite down.

Behind a Crossbite

Crossbites are caused by a variety of factors. If one or both of your parents has a crossbite, there's a good chance you could inherit it. Another cause is jaw size -- if your upper jaw is smaller than your lower jaw, or your jaws are mismatched in size, you could develop a crossbite.

Children can be prone to developing crossbites if their baby teeth don't fall out in a timely manner. Here's why: If the upper permanent teeth start to sprout while baby teeth are still present, they'll have no room to grow in except behind the baby teeth. When a child bites down, this back row of teeth will fall behind the lower to teeth to create a crossbite.

Large adenoids and tonsils can also spur the development of a crossbite. If a child's adenoids and tonsils are too large, it may force a child to breathe through their mouth instead of their nose. The difference may seem innocuous, but it can actually affect proper jaw growth: When a child breathes through the nose, the tongue is positioned on the roof of the mouth, which helps the jaws to grow laterally. But if a child is forced to breathe through the mouth, the tongue shifts out of position and away from the roof of the mouth, causing the jaws to grow asymmetrically.

Crossbite Treatment and Correction

A crossbite is more than just a cosmetic imperfection. So if you suspect that you have a crossbite and wonder how important it is to see a dentist, the answer is "very." Left untreated, a crossbite can cause conditions such as TMJ or TMD, loose teeth, receding gums, excessive wear of tooth enamel and assymetrical growth of your face and jaw.

Not every crossbite requires correction, but the only way to tell is through proper diagnosis. Questions? Give us a call today.

FAQS:

Q) What Are the Treatment Options for Children with a Crossbite?

If a crossbite is caught during childhood, the good news is that early intervention often leads to the best results. Because a child’s jaw is still growing and more adaptable, dental professionals have a few tools in their toolkit to help guide things back on track.

One of the most common early treatments is a palate expander—a device that gradually widens the upper jaw. Think of it as a gentle nudge, encouraging the roof of the mouth to grow a bit broader so the upper and lower teeth fit together as they should.

Other options include traditional braces, which apply steady pressure to move teeth into the correct position, and sometimes dental headgear. While headgear may not win any popularity contests in the schoolyard, it can be effective for guiding jaw growth, especially in more complex cases.

Catch it young, and these treatment options can help set the stage for a balanced bite and a confident smile.

Q) What Are the Treatment Options for Adults with a Crossbite?

If you're an adult grappling with a crossbite, treatment options are available—whether your condition is mild or more complex.

For milder cases, orthodontic solutions such as braces and clear aligners are commonly prescribed. Removable appliances, such as palate expanders or specially designed retainers, can also be effective in guiding your teeth into proper alignment. Sometimes, orthodontists might use elastics to gently correct the bite by encouraging the teeth and jaws to move into their ideal positions.

In situations where the crossbite is more severe—often due to significant jaw misalignment—braces alone might not be enough. In these cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. The surgical procedure is designed to realign the jaws for proper function and balance. After jaw surgery, additional orthodontic treatment is often needed to fine-tune your bite and ensure stable results.

No matter the severity, your dentist or orthodontist will tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs. If you're wondering which path is right for you, a thorough evaluation is the first step on the road to a healthier, more comfortable smile.

Q) When Is Jaw Surgery Needed for Crossbite?

In many adults, milder crossbites can often be addressed with orthodontic solutions like braces, retainers, palate expanders, or special elastics prescribed by your orthodontist. These approaches work well when the alignment issue is moderate and primarily dental.
However, jaw surgery becomes necessary in cases where the crossbite is more severe—especially if it stems from significant jaw misalignment rather than just the positioning of the teeth. If orthodontic appliances alone aren't enough to bring the upper and lower jaws into the right relationship, your dental specialist may recommend corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery).
This procedure repositions the jaw bones to create a proper bite. Sometimes, surgery is combined with orthodontic treatment, such as braces before and after the procedure, to ensure teeth and jaws are both correctly aligned during the healing process.
If you’re unsure whether you might need something as involved as jaw surgery, it’s crucial to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with your dentist or orthodontist. They’ll determine the best approach for your specific situation.

Q) How Long Does Crossbite Correction Take?

If you’re wondering about the timeline for fixing a crossbite, the answer isn’t entirely one-size-fits-all. Treatment duration usually depends on several factors—including your age, how severe the crossbite is, and which method your dentist or orthodontist recommends. For some people, minor crossbites may improve within a year. More complex cases might require up to two or even three years for full correction.
Adults may find that treatment takes a little longer than it does for kids, since jaw growth has already stopped. Either way, your dental professional can evaluate your bite and give you a more precise estimate based on your unique situation.