Crossbite: Causes, Symptoms & Effective Treatments
June 27, 2025
A healthy smile is more than an aesthetic goal. It plays a key role in chewing, speaking, and maintaining long-term oral health. One of the lesser-known but highly impactful alignment issues is a crossbite. Many patients don’t realize they have it until discomfort or visible misalignment becomes harder to ignore. At Parsons Orthodontics, we specialize in identifying and treating this condition early, before it leads to lasting damage. If you’re a parent noticing changes in your child's bite or an adult seeking answers about jaw discomfort, knowing the facts about crossbite is a crucial first step.
Crossbites can affect both the front and back teeth, and they often start developing early in life. If not diagnosed and addressed, they can lead to significant issues later on, including jaw pain, gum problems, and even facial asymmetry. The longer a crossbite goes untreated, the more complex and expensive the solution tends to become. That’s why early awareness is so important. But don’t worry if you’re learning about this late, treatment is still highly effective in teens and adults.
Throughout this article, we’ll guide you through what a crossbite really is, how it shows up in daily life, and most importantly, how we treat it at Parsons Orthodontics. You’ll learn why early diagnosis matters, what your treatment options are, and how our team builds customized plans to fit your needs. If you’ve ever wondered why your bite doesn’t feel quite right, or if you’ve seen shifting teeth in your child, this article is for you.
What Is a Crossbite?
A crossbite occurs when some of the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside, as they should. This may involve just a single tooth or an entire section of the upper arch. There are two main types of crossbite: anterior, which affects the front teeth, and posterior, which involves the molars and premolars. In either case, the misalignment causes pressure where it doesn’t belong, and that pressure can trigger a chain reaction of complications across the mouth and jaw.
Many crossbites are caused by a mismatch in jaw growth. For instance, if the upper jaw is too narrow compared to the lower jaw, the teeth won’t line up properly. This often results in a posterior crossbite that gets worse as the child grows. Anterior crossbites, on the other hand, may be caused by the position of the teeth themselves, or they could indicate a larger skeletal issue. Genetics can play a role in both cases, but environmental factors are also common contributors.
In many cases, crossbites don’t improve on their own. In fact, they tend to become more difficult to correct as the bones finish growing and harden into place. This is why orthodontic intervention is often recommended at a young age. The earlier a crossbite is diagnosed, the simpler and faster the treatment tends to be. Ignoring the problem or hoping it will self-correct usually leads to more invasive procedures later in life.
Common Causes & Risk Factors for Crossbite
Crossbites don’t appear out of nowhere. In many patients, the cause can be traced back to a combination of genetics and early childhood habits. When there’s a structural mismatch between the upper and lower jaws, a crossbite may begin developing as soon as permanent teeth start erupting. In some children, it becomes visible around age 6 or 7, which is exactly why early orthodontic evaluations are recommended by that age.
Beyond genetics, certain habits and environmental factors can play a big role. Thumb-sucking, pacifier use past age three, and chronic mouth breathing due to allergies or nasal obstruction can all disrupt jaw development. These habits apply pressure on the teeth and palate, gradually narrowing the upper jaw. Over time, this makes it more likely that the upper teeth will bite inside the lower ones instead of outside, leading to a crossbite.
Another common factor is premature loss of baby teeth. When teeth fall out too soon and aren’t guided properly into place, permanent teeth can erupt in the wrong position. This misalignment may seem minor at first, but over time it creates a cascade of bite issues. Fortunately, when these patterns are caught early, interceptive orthodontic treatment can guide the jaw and teeth into better alignment with minimal effort.
Signs, Symptoms & Long-Term Risks
Recognizing the symptoms of a crossbite isn’t always easy. Some signs are subtle, while others can interfere with everyday life. One of the first indicators is difficulty chewing evenly. You may notice that food consistently shifts to one side of the mouth, or that chewing feels awkward or even painful in certain spots. Children might avoid certain foods or seem to favor one side when eating.
Another frequent sign is cheek or tongue biting. When the teeth are misaligned, the soft tissues of the mouth are more likely to get caught during speaking or eating. This is especially common in posterior crossbites and can become a regular occurrence. Over time, this can lead to sores, discomfort, and even long-term tissue irritation if not corrected.
Perhaps the most overlooked symptoms are those that build slowly over time, such as jaw fatigue, popping sounds near the ears, or frequent headaches. These may be signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) stress, which often stems from an unbalanced bite. When your teeth don’t meet properly, the jaw has to overcompensate, leading to muscle tension and wear on the joints. What starts as a small bite issue can quickly escalate into chronic pain if left untreated.
How Crossbites Are Diagnosed
To properly diagnose a crossbite, we begin with a comprehensive clinical exam. At Parsons Orthodontics, we examine how your upper and lower teeth come together, checking for any irregular overlap or shifts in the midline. We also assess how the jaw moves when opening and closing, as functional shifts can be a key indicator of underlying alignment problems.
Next, we use diagnostic imaging to get a complete picture of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures. Digital x-rays and 3D scans allow us to see what’s happening below the surface such as root position, jaw symmetry, and the angle of tooth eruption. This information helps us identify not only the presence of a crossbite, but also the best course of treatment based on the individual’s age and development stage.
Once we’ve completed our assessment, we discuss findings and treatment recommendations in detail. For children, we factor in future growth to determine if early intervention is necessary. For teens and adults, we focus on stability, function, and minimizing invasive procedures. Every plan is custom-built to correct the bite while maintaining long-term health and comfort.
Treatment Options at Parsons Orthodontics
Treating a crossbite depends heavily on age, jaw development, and the severity of the case. For younger children, the most common approach is the use of a palatal expander. This device gently widens the upper jaw to create better alignment with the lower arch. Because children's bones are still growing, expansion is highly effective during these years and often prevents the need for future corrective surgery.
In older patients, traditional braces or clear aligners may be used to shift the teeth into better alignment. Braces are particularly effective in cases where multiple teeth need to be adjusted at once. Clear aligners like Invisalign offer a more discreet option, which is especially appealing for teens and adults. Depending on the case, elastic bands or bite correctors may be added to enhance results.
For severe skeletal discrepancies that can't be corrected with appliances alone, surgical orthodontics may be considered. This typically involves coordination with an oral surgeon and is most often recommended for adults who have completed facial growth. While surgery is not common, it remains a safe and reliable option when needed. Our team always explores conservative options first and helps patients understand every step of the process.
The Importance of Early Treatment
Timing plays a critical role in the success of crossbite treatment. The earlier we can intervene, the more effectively we can guide jaw development and tooth eruption. For this reason, we strongly recommend an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, even if no problems are immediately visible. Crossbites are often easier to correct before the bones harden during adolescence.
Delaying treatment can lead to unnecessary complications. What begins as a mild misalignment may progress into facial asymmetry, chronic TMJ issues, or even speech difficulties. As the bite becomes more established, treatment becomes more complex and expensive. That’s why early diagnosis is always the smarter and more cost-effective option.
Even for adults, treatment is worth pursuing as soon as a crossbite is diagnosed. While the process may take longer than in children, the results can be just as impactful. Improved bite alignment can ease jaw tension, reduce wear on teeth, and enhance overall oral function. The important thing is to act before the problem leads to permanent damage.
Why Parsons Orthodontics Is the Right Choice
Choosing the right provider for crossbite treatment makes a world of difference. At Parsons Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on delivering customized care that puts patient comfort and long-term results first. Our team uses modern technology and decades of experience to diagnose bite issues accurately and treat them with precision. Every patient receives a clear roadmap to correction, tailored to their unique situation.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. If you're a parent exploring early treatment options or an adult seeking answers for long-standing discomfort, our approach is designed around your goals. From your first visit to your final results, we make sure you’re informed, supported, and confident every step of the way. A healthier, more functional bite is not only achievable, it’s well within reach.
If you suspect a crossbite or have questions about your bite alignment, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Our friendly, expert team is here to help you or your child achieve a better bite, healthier jaw function, and a more confident smile. Don’t wait until the problem grows. Take the first step with Parsons Orthodontics today.
