Treat Crossbites
Orthodontic treatment for crossbites can effectively address your concerns. If you have a crossbite or underbite, it’s important to consult with a licensed orthodontist. They will conduct thorough exams, including x-rays, to assess your condition. Based on this, they will recommend a treatment plan that suits your preferences, lifestyle, and budget.
There are several types of crossbites and each has different treatment options. These options might include braces, aligners, or even jaw surgery in specific cases. Your orthodontist will guide you in choosing the best method for your situation.
Braces
Braces and Invisalign for crossbite correction are effective. They use brackets on each tooth, linked by a wire. Your dentist or orthodontist skillfully moves each tooth to its correct position. This aligns any misaligned teeth until the bite is proper.
Braces are suitable for kids, teens, and adults. They are easy, effective, and comfortable for correcting bites. Offering quick treatment times and predictable results, braces are a popular and affordable choice. Both braces and Invisalign are excellent options for crossbite correction.
Clear Aligners
Invisalign treatment is an extremely reliable, effective method for correcting crossbites when used by an experienced orthodontist. (Remember, Invisalign is a tool and only works in hands of an experienced professional doctor).
Since they first started creating healthy smiles over 20 years ago, Invisalign clear aligners have gained in popularity for their ease of use and discreet, subtle appearance. Invisalign treatment has helped many people correct their crossbites, and can certainly help you!
Invisalign aligners are custom-created by your orthodontist for each patient’s unique case, so when you choose Invisalign to correct your crossbite or underbite, your orthodontist will use 3D modeling to create a custom set of aligners designed to safely and effectively align your teeth into the proper position.
The clear aligners are removable, allowing you to eat or drink whatever you want during treatment, and are nearly invisible when worn, so you can achieve a beautiful, healthy smile without disrupting your appearance.
Elizabeth, 18 years old, Crossbite (upper left lateral incisor) correction in 9 months with Invisalign Treatment
Expanders
Expanders are an orthodontic tool used in children to expand the upper arch. The expander appliance is used to correct a developing posterior crossbite and facilitate healthy, proper growth of the teeth. Since children’s teeth, bones, and palate are all still developing, this is the best time to intervene and redirect growth in a healthy direction. If the child’s upper arch is constricted, this will likely lead to malocclusion, particularly a posterior crossbite.
Orthodontists use expanders to help with teeth growth. These tools are great for moving the top teeth and widening the upper arch. This creates space for both baby teeth and permanent teeth. They are safe and comfortable when used by a skilled orthodontist.
Expanders are placed on the roof of the mouth. They are not visible when a child smiles. They are also not easy to feel after they are put in place. This makes them a good choice for fixing crooked teeth without being too noticeable.
Overall, expanders are an effective way to help children’s teeth grow in the right way.
Oral Surgery
In rare instances, orthognathic surgery for severe crossbites may be necessary. This surgery helps align your upper and lower teeth. If you have a severe crossbite, your orthodontist might suggest this option.
Sometimes, the surgery is necessary before you start your orthodontic treatment. Other times, it’s needed during treatment.
After the surgery, orthodontic care continues. This is a long-term process to fix a crossbite. The treatment might include lingual braces, which work to align your teeth and jaw.
Once your treatment is complete, your orthodontist will give you a retainer. This retainer maintains the results of your full treatment.
Jay, 23 Years Old, Surgical Case
Initial Smile and Profile
Before Surgery
Final Smile and Profile After Surgery
Retainers
Retainers play a crucial role after orthodontic treatment to maintain the results. Once your orthodontist has aligned your teeth correctly with traditional metal braces, they will provide you with retainers. You should wear these retainers at night to ensure your teeth stay in their new, proper positions.
Following your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing the retainers is essential. This helps preserve your healthy bite and beautiful smile, ensuring long-term oral health and self-confidence. For effective post-treatment retainers for crossbite care, it’s crucial to wear them regularly to prevent any shifting of your top and bottom teeth.
Crossbites: Before & After Orthodontic Treatment
Manuel, 18 Years Old, Crossbite Surgical Correction, 24 Months Treatment
Before Treatment
In Progress
After Treatment
Tingting, 35 Years Old, Crossbite, 20 Months Invisalign Treatment
Before Treatment
After Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions About Crossbites
Why is a Crossbite Bad?
Crossbites are not only embarrassing and make people want to hide their smiles, they can also cause toothaches, headaches, earaches, jaw pain or tension in the jaw, and lead to temporomandibular disorder (TMD) as well as severe pain in the jaw joints (TMJ). A crossbite can create problems with biting and chewing, making eating painful.
Misaligned teeth are harder to keep clean, leading to plaque build-up, which can cause cavities, dental caries, abscesses, and decay of the teeth, gums, and bones. This can cause periodontal disease and bone and tooth loss.
It is very important to treat a crossbite or underbite. For optimal results, it’s recommended that treatment begin when patients are young, and the teeth and bones are still growing. However, a crossbite can be corrected by a skilled professional, with excellent results at any age. Licensed orthodontists are very skilled in correcting crossbites and underbites.
What Does a Crossbite Look Like?
A crossbite occurs when the teeth are not properly aligned with the top teeth fitting past the bottom teeth. Instead, one or more of the bottom teeth stick out past the top teeth. This can happen in the front teeth or in the back molar teeth.
When you bite down, smile to show your teeth and see if any of your bottom teeth stick out past the top teeth, either in the front or back. If they do, this is a crossbite, and you should consult an orthodontist for treatment.
You may also experience frequent headaches, jaw pain, or discomfort when eating or chewing. These are signs of a potential crossbite .
What is an Anterior Crossbite?
An anterior crossbite or underbite is a “bad bite” where the bottom teeth stick out past the top teeth in the front area of the teeth. Anterior crossbites occur in the front four incisor teeth and the canine teeth.
What is a Posterior Crossbite?
A posterior crossbite or underbite is a bad bite in which the bottom teeth protrude past the top teeth in the back or side areas of the teeth. Posterior crossbites affect the molars and premolars and can occur on only one side or both sides simultaneously.
Can Braces Correct Crossbite?
Yes, braces are an excellent treatment method to correct a crossbite or an underbite. Metal or ceramic braces can both be used to safely and effectively move teeth into their correctly aligned positions.
Orthodontists are very experienced with treating all kinds of crossbites and use specialized technology to carefully correct this issue, with lasting results.
Can Invisalign Correct a Crossbite?
Yes, Invisalign is an excellent form of orthodontic treatment for correcting a crossbite when used as a tool in the hands of a skilled orthodontic professional. (Remember, any treatment is only as good as the provider who is treating you). Invisalign clear aligners are custom-designed for your specific condition.
Your orthodontist will use 3D predictive modeling to design an Invisalign regimen that will safely and precisely move your teeth into the correct positions. People love Invisalign for the discreet appearance of the clear aligners, which are nearly invisible when worn, and the effectiveness of the treatment. If you have a crossbite, Invisalign can be an excellent choice to correct it.
Seek an orthodontic provider with the highest Invisalign experience credentials, such as a Diamond Plus or Diamond Invisalign Provider. These providers are in the top percentage of orthodontists for Invisalign experience and can provide you with the most effective results.
At What Age Should You Correct a Crossbite?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children see an orthodontist beginning at age 7. Even though treatment may not begin at this stage, a professional orthodontist will take x-rays and be able to predict future development, and make adjustments if necessary, to create the best outcomes for your child’s smile.
If the child is developing a crossbite, the orthodontist can use early interventions, such as spacers or a palate expander, to encourage proper growth and correct the crossbite as early as possible.
However, you can expect great results from crossbite orthodontic treatment at any age! Kids, teens, and adults of all ages can get orthodontic treatment for a proper bite and a healthy, beautiful smile!
How Long Does It Take to Correct a Crossbite with Braces?
Treatment times depend on the severity of your crossbite, the level of experience of your orthodontic provider, and which treatment you use. Metal and ceramic braces can correct a crossbite in between 6 months and 2+ years. Very mild cases can be completed in 6-8 months.
Seeking an experienced orthodontist is the most important factor: your provider will use the braces to straighten your teeth, and the most experienced licensed professionals are the most equipped to do this efficiently and effectively.
How Long Does It Take to Correct a Crossbite with Invisalign?
Each treatment is different, depending on your unique treatment needs, which treatment you select, and the level of experience of your Invisalign provider. A mild case crossbite can be corrected in 6-8 months; a more severe crossbite will take between 12 and 24 months.
How Much do Braces Cost for Crossbites?
Costs vary depending on your specific treatment needs for your diagnosis and where you seek treatment. Braces can cost anywhere between $1,700 and $7,000. Insurance can help you cover the costs of braces treatment, and most orthodontic offices offer payment plans to break up costs into manageable monthly installments.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost for Crossbites?
There is a range of Invisalign costs, depending on the severity of your crossbite and the provider you choose. Invisalign costs range from $2,650 to $9,000.
Insurance can help lower the costs you pay, as well as promotional discounts and monthly payment plans. Your orthodontic provider will work out the financials with you so you can correct your crossbite and achieve a healthy smile.
How Can Adults Correct a Crossbite?
Crossbites can be corrected at any age. Beginning treatment in childhood when the teeth and bones are still developing is ideal since this can achieve the longest-lasting results, but crossbites can be corrected in adults of all ages, by an experienced, licensed orthodontist using braces or Invisalign.
Orthodontists are very experienced with safely and effectively aligning teeth in patients of all ages. Crossbites can have serious consequences for the health of your teeth and your overall health, so it’s important to get them corrected by a skilled orthodontist, no matter your age – for a lifetime of confidence and healthy smiles.
Can I Correct a Crossbite With Braces for Free?
Programs like Medicaid and CHIP can help qualifying families cover the costs of children’s braces. In some cases, they may cover the costs in full. Coverage and eligibility vary by state. If your child has a crossbite that needs to be corrected, look into your state’s guidelines for using Medicaid or CHIP to pay for braces, and seek an orthodontist that takes your insurance coverage.
Sources
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) – What is a Crossbite?
https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/what-is-a-crossbite/
Columbia University in the City of New York – Principles of Cross-bite Treatment (PDF)
https://www.columbia.edu/itc/hs/dental/D5300/ERSOY%20Principles%20of%20Cross-bite%20Treatment_Color.pdf
National Center for Biotechnology Information – Orthodontics, Posterior Crossbite
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499873/
Crossbite – What you need to know about transforming your smile with Invisalign® treatment
https://www.invisalign.com/treatable-cases/crossbite
Doctor Locator – Find the right Invisalign® provider for you
https://www.invisalign.com/get-started/find-a-doctor
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) – Your’s First Visit | Parents Guide to Orthodontics
https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/parent-s-guide-post/first-visit/
