Medically Reviewed by Dr. Michael Clemente, D.M.D. on September 11, 2026
A crossbite is one of the more common bite problems that orthodontists treat, yet many people are unaware they have one until they are officially evaluated. This type of bite issue occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not come together properly, meaning that some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than slightly outside them. It can affect the front teeth, back teeth, or both, and while it may seem minor at first, when it is left untreated, it can lead to uneven tooth wear, jaw discomfort, and changes in facial symmetry over time.
Fortunately, a crossbite is very treatable, and the sooner it is addressed, the more options are typically available. At Clemente Orthodontics, our team has helped patients of all ages correct their bites with approaches tailored to their age, the severity of the issue, and their overall orthodontic needs. With a focus on early orthodontics for younger patients and a full range of adult solutions, there is a clear way forward for anyone dealing with this issue.
What Causes a Crossbite?
Crossbites can develop for a number of reasons, including genetics, delayed or early loss of baby teeth, and habits like prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use. When the upper jaw is narrower than it should be relative to the lower jaw, the upper teeth end up sitting inside the lower teeth. Depending on where the issue occurs, an orthodontist may classify it as an anterior crossbite, which affects the front teeth, or a posterior crossbite affecting the back teeth. Each type presents differently and calls for a distinct approach, which is why a proper evaluation is always the correct starting point.
Signs You or Your Child May Have a Crossbite
Crossbites are not always obvious, especially in young children whose bites are still developing. A few signs are worth watching for at home. Some children shift their jaw to one side when they bite down, which can create the appearance of an off-center smile. Others may show visible asymmetry in the face, uneven wear on certain teeth, or difficulty chewing on one side of the mouth. Adults with an untreated crossbite sometimes notice recurring jaw soreness, clicking in the jaw joint, or teeth that appear to meet at an odd angle when they close their mouth. None of these signs confirm a crossbite on their own, but any of them are a good reason to schedule an evaluation.
Treatment Options for Kids
Children are often the best candidates for crossbite correction because their jaws are still growing, making it easier to guide development in the right direction. According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, posterior crossbites affect roughly 4% to 17% of children and adolescents, and early intervention can help prevent more significant issues from developing later on. Many parents first notice a crossbite when a child’s jaw seems to shift to one side when they close their mouth. Depending on the child’s age and the type of crossbite present, common treatment options include:
- Palatal expander: This is a device that gently widens the upper jaw over time, creating more space for the teeth to align correctly. The orthodontic expander is one of the most effective tools for correcting posterior crossbites in growing children.
- Braces: In many cases, braces are used alongside or following expansion to align individual teeth once the jaw width has been corrected.
- Removable appliances: Some younger children may benefit from custom-fitted removable devices, especially for anterior crossbites involving just one or two teeth.
Getting started early matters, as the window for certain types of growth-based correction closes once the jaw stops developing. That is why getting an evaluation while your child is young, ideally around the age recommended for a first orthodontic visit, is always worthwhile. Families can also review our guidance on teen orthodontic treatment if a crossbite is caught a little later, once a child’s permanent teeth are more established.
Treatment Options for Adults
Adult crossbite treatment is absolutely possible, though it may require a different strategy than what is used for children. Since the jaw has fully developed, expansion is less predictable without surgical assistance in more severe cases. For many adults with dental crossbites, where individual teeth rather than the jaw are the main issue, Invisalign® or traditional braces can effectively correct the position of the teeth. You can review our full range of adult orthodontic treatment options to see which approach may fit your situation.
In more significant cases involving skeletal differences in the jaw, an orthodontist may work alongside an oral surgeon to achieve the best results. The type of crossbite and the degree to which it affects the bite determine which path makes the most sense. Some adults may see significant results with orthodontic treatment alone, while others with more pronounced jaw discrepancies may need a combined orthodontic and surgical plan. An evaluation with an orthodontist can help you fully understand what is truly going on and what options are available.
When Does Crossbite Treatment Require Surgery?
Surgery is the exception rather than the rule for crossbite correction, and most cases, especially in growing children, can be resolved with expansion or aligners alone. Research on combined orthodontic and surgical treatment published in the National Institutes of Health notes that orthognathic surgery is generally reserved for adults with a significant skeletal jaw discrepancy, meaning the upper and lower jaws themselves are misaligned rather than just the teeth. In these cases, braces or aligners alone cannot reposition the underlying bone, so a surgeon works together with the orthodontist before, during, and after the procedure to align the jaws and the bite at the same time. If your orthodontist suggests a surgical consultation, it typically means the crossbite has a skeletal component that orthodontic treatment alone may not fully resolve, not that your case is unusually severe.
Schedule a Consultation at Clemente Orthodontics
At Clemente Orthodontics, Dr. Michael Clemente and his daughters, Dr. Dani Panichella-Clemente, Dr. Nicole Clemente, and Dr. Marissa Clemente, bring years of combined experience in treating bite issues like crossbites for both kids and adults. As a Sapphire Invisalign® provider, our team treats more Invisalign® patients than 99% of all other providers in the nation, and our method of handling orthodontic care is both thorough and personally tailored. You can learn more about each doctor on our meet the doctors page. For more context on how different bite problems compare, our blog on overbite, underbite, and crossbite differences offers a helpful breakdown.
Whether treatment begins now or down the road, having the right information to make a confident decision is what matters most. We offer flexible payment plans, flexible spending accounts, and insurance coverage to ensure that high-quality orthodontic care is accessible to everyone. Take the first step and contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crossbite Treatment
Can a crossbite go away on its own?
A crossbite rarely corrects itself and can become more pronounced over time without treatment. Baby teeth crossbites sometimes resolve as permanent teeth come in, but a proper evaluation is the only way to know whether a specific case needs intervention.
How long does crossbite treatment take?
Treatment length depends on the type and severity of the crossbite. Palatal expansion in a growing child may take several months, while full correction with braces or Invisalign can take one to two years, similar to other orthodontic treatment timelines.
Is a palatal expander painful?
Most patients feel mild pressure or soreness for a few days after each adjustment, but the device is not typically described as painful. Any discomfort usually fades quickly and can be managed with the guidance your orthodontist provides.
What happens if a crossbite is left untreated?
An untreated crossbite can lead to uneven tooth wear, gum recession on the affected teeth, jaw joint discomfort, and facial asymmetry that may become more difficult to correct over time. Addressing it earlier generally keeps more treatment options available.
Do all adult crossbites require jaw surgery?
No. Most adult crossbites involve individual tooth position rather than the jaw itself and can be corrected with braces or Invisalign alone. Surgery is generally reserved for cases where the upper and lower jaws are skeletally misaligned.
About the Author
Founder, Clemente Orthodontics
Dr. Michael Clemente earned his D.M.D. from Rutgers and a certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. He has practiced orthodontics for more than 50 years, served as an Air Force Captain, and founded the multigenerational family practice now joined by his three daughters.
Medically reviewed by:
The Orthodontic Team at Clemente Orthodontics
September 11, 2026
At Clemente Orthodontics our expert dental team takes great care in providing orthodontic treatment and Invisalign solutions for our patients.
