How To Fix A Crossbite: Causes And Treatment

Key Takeaways

• Crossbite occurs when upper and lower teeth don’t align properly, leading to uneven chewing, enamel wear, and jaw discomfort.
• There are two main types: anterior and posterior crossbite, each requiring different orthodontic approaches.
• Common treatments include braces, clear aligners, expanders, and, in severe cases, jaw surgery for proper correction.
• Untreated crossbite can lead to TMJ pain, gum recession, tooth damage, and facial asymmetry over time.
• Early diagnosis improves treatment results, but adults can still achieve full correction with the right orthodontic plan.

A crossbite is a common bite problem where some of the upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth instead of in front. It may seem like a minor issue at first, but without early correction, it can impact your smile, jaw health, and overall facial balance.

This simple guide explains what a crossbite is, the types you should know about, symptoms to watch for, and what causes it. You also learn how crossbite correction works for children, teenagers, and adults, and when treatments such as aligners, braces, expanders, or crossbite surgery are necessary.

What is a Crossbite?

A crossbite is a type of malocclusion, which is a misalignment of the teeth. Because of this issue, your upper teeth fit behind your lower teeth instead of in front of them. This can happen in the front or back teeth, and it can affect one or both jaws.

What are the Different Types of Crossbite?

There are two different types of crossbite teeth. They are:

1. Anterior Crossbite

   Commonly known as an underbite, an anterior crossbite is a condition where your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth. It makes your chin and jaw look abnormal. Crowded teeth and mouth breathing are a few reasons that cause an underbite.

2. Posterior Crossbite

   In a posterior crossbite, your back teeth are affected. In this condition, the lower teeth at the back of your mouth overlap the teeth in your top jaw. It is caused by the same reasons that lead to an anterior crossbite. But sometimes it may also be because of the late falling of your baby teeth.

Also Read: Buck Teeth (Overbite): All You Need to Know From Causes to Treatments

What are the Symptoms of a Crossbite?

If you are wondering, “Do I have a crossbite?” You should check for the following symptoms:

• Difficulty closing your mouth completely, so your upper and lower teeth don’t touch properly.
• Problems with speech, such as lisping or difficulty speaking clearly.
• Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek or lip while eating or talking.
• Experiencing severe headaches.
• Feeling pain in your teeth or a specific tooth.
• Jaw pain.

What Causes a Crossbite?

There are several causes of a crossbite; some of them include:

• Genetics
• Prolonged thumb-sucking
• Tongue-thrusting
• Missing teeth
• Bad chewing habits
• Use of pacifiers or bottles past infancy
• Poorly matched teeth and jaw
• A mouth or jawbone injury
• Delayed loss of baby teeth
• Unexpected permanent teeth eruption

What Problems Can an Untreated Crossbite Create?

An untreated crossbite can cause some of the following issues:

1. Chipped Tooth

   When your teeth constantly collide against each other, it can accidentally chip your teeth.

2. Gum Disease

   Constant rubbing of crossbite teeth against each other can destroy the enamel of your teeth and cause cavities, which further leads to gum disease.

3. Gum Recessio

   Collisions of teeth can cause your gums to recede and make them vulnerable to decay and infection.

4. TMJ Disorder

   A crossbite can place uneven pressure on your jaw joints, causing strain and inflammation in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This can lead to painful TMJ disorder.

5. Jaw and Facial Asymmetry

   Because the bite is uneven, the jaw may shift to one side over time, affecting facial balance and symmetry.

6. Uneven Smile

   A crossbite can cause certain teeth to sit higher, lower, or behind others. This results in a smile that looks uneven or misaligned.

7. Midline Deviation

   Crossbites often push the jaw to one side, causing the center line of your upper and lower teeth not to match.

How to Fix a Crossbite in Kids?

Thankfully, you can fix crossbite teeth problems in kids with either of the following treatments:

• Palate Expander

  With the help of a palate expander, you can extend the upper palate of the mouth. It raises the upper jaw to let the lower teeth fit perfectly with the upper teeth. A palate expander is best and easier to use on kids and young teens as their jaws are growing.

• Braces

  Braces treatment is effective and the most preferred treatment to correct a dental crossbite and various other kinds of bite problems. Someone as young as a seven-year-old child can also be treated for crossbite through braces. Braces as used as an appliance to correct the positioning of your teeth and jaw.

How To Fix a Crossbite in Teenagers and Adults

There are several crossbite treatment options available for adults and teenagers to find relief:

• 1

  Jaw Realignment Surgery

  In serious crossbite cases, where braces or Invisalign fail to work, your orthodontist may recommend jaw realignment surgery to correct the position of your jaw.

  To fix a crossbite without surgery, the following options are available:

• 2

  Braces

  Traditional braces treatment is one of the most effective methods for treating all forms of crossbites. Along with dental correction, braces successfully achieve skeletal realignment if you pair them with expanders, elastics, and other appliances. However, the one downside to braces is that they are visible, and most adults prefer more discreet treatments.

  But if visibility is not an issue for you, braces are an excellent solution. In case you have a crossbite due to the misalignment of your jaws or teeth, you may be required to wear a palatal expander before wearing braces.

  It widens your upper jaw and moves the upper and lower arches to the desired position. It makes space for braces to finish the alignment process. Now you may wonder, can you fix a crossbite without braces? The answer is yes. Below are some ways you can fix a crossbite without braces

• 3

  Invisalign

  Another Way of fixing crossbite teeth is Invisalign. An Invisalign is a clear and removable teeth aligner that gets your job done just like braces. The only difference is that these are not visible and can be removed before eating.

  You need to visit your dentist for Invisalign frequently. They can be fitted with additional appliances that are used for targeting crossbite.

• 4

  Elastics

  This supportive treatment involves placing elastic rubber bands across your teeth to pressurize them and create appropriate space.

  Dental crossbite is a bite problem that can be treated with these treatments easily! Just book an appointment today with Thurman Orthodontics, a trusted orthodontic clinic in Fresno, and forget your crossbite problems!

FAQs

1. Can crossbite correction improve my jawline?

   Yes. Correcting a crossbite can help balance the way your teeth and jaws fit together. It also often improves overall facial symmetry. When the bite is aligned properly, it can enhance jaw contours and support a more defined, harmonious facial profile.

2. Can crossbites cause TMJ or headaches?

   Yes. A misaligned bite can strain the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, leading to tension, jaw clicking, facial soreness, and frequent headaches. Correcting the crossbite often reduces these symptoms and improves jaw comfort.

3. Can a crossbite cause sleep disturbance?

   Yes. In some cases, an uneven bite or misaligned jaw can narrow the airway, contributing to snoring or mild sleep apnea. Treating the crossbite may help improve breathing and sleep quality.

4. Can you fix crossbite teeth without braces?

   Mild crossbites can sometimes be corrected with Invisalign aligners or dental expanders. However, moderate to severe cases may require braces, elastics, or even crossbite surgery if the jaw position needs to be corrected.

5. Is a crossbite genetic?

   Yes. Genetics often influence jaw shape, palate width, and how the teeth grow in, all of which can contribute to developing a crossbite. Other factors, like habits or childhood breathing issues, can also play a role.

6. What type of doctor should I see for crossbite teeth?

   You should see an orthodontist. They specialize in diagnosing and treating bite problems, jaw misalignment, and crooked teeth, including all types of crossbites.

7. Can adults with a crossbite still get correction?

   Absolutely. Adults can successfully correct a crossbite using braces, clear aligners, expanders, or jaw surgery, depending on the severity. Age is not a barrier to achieving a healthier bite and better facial balance.

8. Does fixing a crossbite hurt?

   You may feel mild pressure or discomfort during the early stages of treatment, especially after adjustments or when starting new aligner trays. This usually fades within a few days as your mouth adapts.

9. Can early childhood habits cause crossbite?

   Yes. Long-term thumb-sucking, pacifier use, mouth breathing, and tongue thrusting can affect how the jaws grow and ultimately lead to a crossbite if not addressed early.

Dr. Brian Thurman

Dr. Brian Thurman has spent his entire life enjoying all the beauty that California has to offer. A Fresno native, he still escapes to the ocean or the mountains whenever his busy schedule allows. Driven by his love for natural beauty, Dr. Thurman enjoys creating beautiful smiles and healthy bites that last a lifetime. He is proud to be the only Ivy League trained Orthodontist in the Fresno/Clovis area.

www.thurmanortho.com