In a normal bite, the upper teeth sit slightly outside the lower teeth all the way around the arch. In a crossbite, that relationship reverses in one area or another — some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, whether that's at the front, the back, or on one side. It can involve a single tooth or an entire side of the mouth.
What causes a crossbite?
Why it's worth addressing — especially early
Left untreated, a crossbite often causes the jaw to shift sideways or forward to find a comfortable way to bite — a functional shift. Over time, that compensating shift can lead to uneven jaw growth and facial asymmetry, particularly in children whose bones are still developing. It also causes uneven wear on the teeth involved and can strain the jaw joint.
Of all the conditions we treat, crossbite is the one where the case for early intervention is strongest. Correcting it while the jaw is still growing is meaningfully simpler — and more effective — than addressing it once growth has finished.
Treatment options
Palatal Expansion
The gold standard for correcting a narrow upper jaw in growing children. A custom appliance gradually widens the palate, creating space and correcting the crossbite from its root cause.
About early treatment →Braces
For crossbites limited to a few teeth, or for older patients where expansion is no longer an option, braces can move individual teeth into correct alignment.
About braces →Clear Aligners
Mild, dental (non-skeletal) crossbites limited to a few teeth can sometimes be corrected with clear aligners, depending on the specific case.
About clear aligners →Adult crossbites
Once growth plates have fused, correcting a skeletal crossbite through expansion alone is no longer possible. Adult cases are typically managed with braces or aligners for dental crossbites, or, for significant skeletal cases, in coordination with an oral surgeon. See our jaw alignment concerns page for more.
Common questions about crossbites
Why is early treatment emphasized so much for crossbites?
Because a crossbite left in place often causes the jaw to shift to accommodate it, which can lead to asymmetric jaw growth in a child. Correcting the crossbite early — while the palate can still be expanded — prevents that compensating growth pattern from taking hold.
How do I know if my child has a crossbite?
Sometimes it's visible — teeth that appear to bite backward in a specific spot. Other times it's subtle and only detected on exam, especially if the jaw has already shifted to compensate. This is one of the key things Dr. Kim checks for at an early evaluation.
Is palatal expansion uncomfortable?
Most children tolerate expanders well. There's typically mild pressure for the first few days as the palate begins to widen, similar to the adjustment period with any new orthodontic appliance, and it eases quickly.
Can a crossbite come back after treatment?
With proper retention, results from crossbite correction are generally stable. We'll build a retention plan specific to your case to protect the outcome long-term.
If a crossbite is involved, timing genuinely matters.
Come in for an evaluation — right at your appointment time, no waiting around — and we'll tell you exactly what we see and when treatment makes the most sense.
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