How to Fix a Crossbite: Treatment Options for Kids and Adults

A crossbite is one of the more common bite problems that orthodontists treat, yet many people are unaware they have one until they’re officially evaluated. This type of bite issue occurs when the upper and lower teeth don’t 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’s 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’s 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’s 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.

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’s why getting an evaluation while your child is young is always worthwhile.

Treatment Options for Adults

Adult crossbite treatment is absolutely possible, though it may require a different strategy than what’s 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. 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’s truly going on and what options are available.

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. 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 on your smile journey and contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation.