The most reliable way to fix a crossbite is orthodontic treatment, using tools like braces, palate expanders, or Invisalign clear aligners to gradually reposition the teeth or jaw into proper alignment. There is no way to correct a crossbite at home, since it involves the underlying bone and tooth structure, but the good news is that crossbite correction is a well-established, predictable area of orthodontic care. This guide explains what a crossbite is, why early treatment matters, and what your treatment options look like at different ages.
What Is a Dental Crossbite
A dental crossbite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not align correctly when the mouth is closed. In a healthy bite, the upper teeth sit slightly outside the lower teeth. With a crossbite, one or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead, creating an uneven bite pattern.
Anterior vs Posterior Crossbite
Orthodontic crossbite treatment differs slightly depending on where the misalignment occurs:
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An anterior crossbite affects the front teeth, where one or more upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth
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A posterior crossbite affects the back teeth, where the upper back teeth sit inside the lower back teeth on one or both sides
Both types can occur on their own or alongside other bite issues, and both are treatable with the right approach.
What Causes a Crossbite
A crossbite can develop for several reasons, including genetics, a narrow upper jaw, prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use in early childhood, or the early or late loss of baby teeth that disrupts normal tooth eruption patterns. In many cases, the exact cause is not something that could have been prevented, so if your child or you have a crossbite, it is simply a matter of biology rather than something done wrong.
Why Untreated Crossbites Matter
Leaving a crossbite in adults or children untreated can lead to a few different problems over time:
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Uneven wear on the teeth affected by the misaligned bite
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Jaw pain or discomfort from the uneven pressure distribution
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Gum recession on the teeth pushed outside their normal position
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Facial asymmetry in children if a posterior crossbite affects jaw growth
These risks are part of why orthodontists generally recommend addressing a crossbite rather than leaving it as is, even in cases where it does not cause immediate discomfort.
How to Fix a Crossbite by Age
Crossbite in Children
A crossbite in children is often easier to treat while the jaw is still growing. A palate expander is a common early treatment, gradually widening the upper jaw so the teeth can align properly. In many cases, this early intervention reduces or eliminates the need for more extensive treatment later. Depending on the case, braces may also be needed once the permanent teeth come in to fine-tune the alignment.
Crossbite in Adults
A crossbite in adults is treated differently, since jaw growth is already complete and a palate expander is not typically effective. Instead, treatment usually relies on braces or Invisalign to move individual teeth into a corrected position. In more severe adult cases involving significant jaw discrepancy, surgical orthodontics may be recommended alongside braces, though this is less common.
Crossbite Treatment Options
Depending on the type and severity of the crossbite, an orthodontist may recommend one or more of the following:
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Crossbite braces: Traditional braces gradually move teeth into proper alignment and are often paired with other appliances for more complex cases
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Crossbite expander: A palate expander widens a narrow upper jaw, most effective in growing children and adolescents
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Invisalign clear aligners: For milder crossbites, especially in teens and adults, clear aligners can shift teeth without visible metal brackets
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Elastics or additional appliances: Rubber bands or other devices may be used alongside braces to correct the bite relationship between upper and lower teeth
Your orthodontist will recommend the right combination based on your specific bite, age, and the severity of the crossbite.
What to Expect During Crossbite Correction
Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of the case, but crossbite correction with braces often takes between 12 and 24 months, similar to other orthodontic treatment. Palate expansion in children is typically faster, often completed within several months, though braces may follow afterward to finish aligning the teeth.
It is normal to feel some pressure or mild discomfort during the early stages of treatment, particularly with a palate expander, as the jaw adjusts. This typically subsides within the first week or two.
When to Talk to an Orthodontist
If you notice a crossbite in yourself or your child, whether it is a single tooth sitting slightly out of place or a more noticeable bite misalignment, it is worth scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist. At Diamond Braces, our team evaluates the type and severity of the crossbite and walks you through the treatment path that fits your situation, whether that means early intervention for a child or braces and Invisalign options for an adult.
Final Thoughts
A crossbite is a common, treatable orthodontic condition, but it does not resolve on its own and tends to be easier to manage the earlier it is addressed. Whether the right approach involves a palate expander, braces, or Invisalign, an orthodontist can create a treatment plan that corrects the bite and helps prevent the long-term issues that come with leaving a crossbite untreated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a crossbite fix itself without treatment?
No, a crossbite involves the position of teeth and sometimes jaw structure, so it will not self-correct. Professional orthodontic treatment is needed to fix it.
What is the best age to correct a crossbite?
Early treatment, often between ages seven and ten, tends to be most effective for posterior crossbites involving jaw width, since the jaw is still growing. However, crossbites can be treated successfully at any age.
Is a palate expander painful?
A palate expander can cause mild pressure or discomfort, especially in the first few days of adjustments, but this is generally manageable and temporary.
Can Invisalign fix a crossbite?
Invisalign can correct many mild to moderate crossbites, particularly in teens and adults, though more complex cases may still require traditional braces or additional appliances.
How long does crossbite treatment usually take?
Treatment length varies by case, but crossbite correction with braces or aligners often takes 12 to 24 months, while palate expansion in children may take just a few months before further treatment.
What happens if a crossbite is never treated?
An untreated crossbite can lead to uneven tooth wear, jaw discomfort, gum recession, and in children, potential facial asymmetry as the jaw develops around the misalignment.
Article written by Diamond Braces Clinical Staff, medically reviewed by Dr. Oleg Drut
