What is a Crossbite? Signs, Effects and Treatment

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April 21, 2025

Introduction

A healthy smile is not just about white teeth—it’s also about proper alignment. Bite problems like crossbites can affect both the appearance and function of your smile, and if left untreated, they can lead to more serious oral health issues. You’re not alone if you’ve been wondering, “What is a crossbite?”.
At Radiant Smiles of Prosper, we provide advanced orthodontic care, including Invisalign treatment in Prosper, TX, to help correct bite misalignments like crossbites.

Why Bite Alignment Matters

Your bite—or occlusion—is how your upper and lower teeth come together when your mouth is closed. A misaligned bite can affect more than aesthetics; it can impact your ability to chew, speak, and maintain healthy teeth and gums. One common type of misalignment is crossbite—a condition that can occur in children and adults.

Many patients ask: “Can Invisalign fix a crossbite?” The answer is often yes—but treatment depends on the type and severity of the misalignment. Read on to discover how crossbites are diagnosed and treated and how we help patients in Prosper, TX, achieve beautifully aligned smiles.

What is a Crossbite?

A crossbite is a malocclusion (bad bite) where the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth when the jaws are closed, rather than the upper teeth sitting slightly outside the lower teeth as they should.
Crossbites can affect:

Front teeth (anterior crossbite)
Back teeth (posterior crossbite)
One side or both sides of the mouth (unilateral or bilateral)
A single tooth or multiple teeth

Crossbite vs. Overbite

It’s important to distinguish a crossbite from an overbite.
The upper front teeth extend too far over the lower front teeth in an overbite.
In contrast, a crossbite means the upper teeth are positioned inside the lower ones—either in front or the back of the mouth.
While both issues require orthodontic intervention, crossbites are generally more complex and may involve jaw misalignment, not just dental positioning.

Signs and Symptoms of a Crossbite

A crossbite can be subtle or noticeable, depending on its severity. Common crossbite symptoms include:

Uneven tooth wear
Jaw discomfort or shifting
Teeth that look out of place
Pain when biting or chewing
Speech difficulties
Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw (TMJ dysfunction)
Gum recession or enamel wear due to tooth position
Headaches or facial pain

In children, a noticeable jaw shift when opening or closing the mouth may indicate a developing crossbite. Untreated crossbites can lead to long-term complications in adults.

Causes of a Crossbite

Understanding the causes of a crossbite can help with prevention and early diagnosis. Factors may include:

1. Genetics: Crossbites often run in families. Inherited traits such as narrow palates, jaw asymmetry, or large teeth in a small jaw can contribute to malocclusions.

2. Childhood Habits: Extended thumb sucking, pacifier use, or bottle feeding beyond the toddler years can affect jaw development and tooth alignment.

3. Early or Delayed Tooth Loss: Losing baby teeth too early or too late can disrupt the eruption pattern of adult teeth, leading to crowding or misalignment.

4. Airway and Breathing Issues: Chronic mouth breathing due to allergies or enlarged adenoids can alter jaw and facial development.

5. Improper Dental Work: If not corrected, poorly fitted restorations or misaligned dental fillings in Prosper, TX, may contribute to bite imbalances.

Effects of an Untreated Crossbite

Ignoring a crossbite may lead to various dental and health problems over time. These include:

1. Jaw Misalignment and TMJ Disorders: A crossbite can force the jaw to shift abnormally, placing stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This may lead to chronic jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.

2. Tooth Damage: Misaligned bites can cause uneven wear, chipping, or teeth cracking. Over time, this may result in the need for restorative care, such as dental fillings or crowns.

3. Gum Recession and Bone Loss: Improper pressure on teeth, especially in adults, can lead to gum irritation, recession, and even bone loss.

4. Aesthetic Concerns: Crossbites can impact facial symmetry and overall smile, potentially lowering self-esteem or confidence, especially in teenagers or adults.

5. Speech and Chewing Difficulties: Children with crossbites may develop speech issues or difficulty eating certain foods. In extreme cases, crossbites can also contribute to digestive problems due to poor chewing.

Crossbite Treatment Options

Fortunately, there are several effective crossbite treatment options, depending on the patient’s age, the severity of the misalignment, and whether the issue is dental, skeletal, or both.

1. Invisalign Clear Aligners: Yes—Invisalign can fix a crossbite in many cases. This discreet, removable aligner system is ideal for mild to moderate crossbites and is highly popular among adults and teens.

Custom-designed to shift teeth gradually into position
Minimal lifestyle disruption
Virtually invisible
Easy maintenance and cleaning

At Radiant Smiles,Prosper, we specialize in Invisalign treatment in Prosper, TX, with personalized treatment plans tailored to your bite alignment needs.

2. Braces: Traditional braces may be recommended for more severe or skeletal crossbites. They apply consistent pressure to reposition teeth and can be combined with elastics or other appliances to correct jaw issues.

3. Palatal Expanders: Palatal expanders, which are common in children and preteens, help widen the upper jaw to correct crossbite alignment before it becomes a long-term problem.

4. Tooth Reshaping or Dental Restorations: In mild cases of misalignment, reshaping teeth or using dental fillings and crowns can help improve bite contact.

5. Surgical Options: In extreme skeletal crossbite cases (usually in adults), orthognathic surgery may be needed to realign the jaw.

Also Read: How to Choose the Right Mouthwash for Your Oral Health Needs

How to Prevent Crossbite Issues

While not all crossbites can be prevented—especially those with genetic causes—many can be minimized or treated early with proactive care.

1. Early Orthodontic Screening: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. Identifying bite issues early allows for less invasive, more effective treatment.

2. Address Harmful Habits Early: Limit pacifier use and discourage thumb sucking beyond age 2-3 to help maintain natural jaw development.

3. Regular Dental Visits: Routine checkups help detect shifting teeth or bite irregularities before they become serious. At Radiant Smiles of Prosper, we monitor bite development closely during all dental exams and cleanings.

4. Treat Breathing Issues: If your child breathes through their mouth regularly or has chronic sinus problems, consult a pediatrician or ENT to address the root cause, which may prevent abnormal jaw growth.

Conclusion: Smile Confidently with Expert Crossbite Treatment

A crossbite may seem minor, but its long-term effects on oral health, comfort, and appearance can be severe. Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s bite or an adult seeking discreet solutions, Radiant Smiles,Prosper is here to help.

We offer state-of-the-art Invisalign treatment in Prosper, TX, and comprehensive care for all your general and cosmetic dentistry needs—including dental fillings to restore damaged teeth affected by misalignment.

Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation Today!

Don’t wait to correct your bite. Visit Radiant Smiles Dentistry or call (469)425-8555 to learn how we can help you or your child achieve a perfectly aligned smile.

FAQs

Can a crossbite fix itself?

Unfortunately, no. Crossbites will not resolve on their own and usually worsen over time without intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent more complex orthodontic or restorative work later.

What happens if a crossbite is left untreated?

Untreated crossbites can lead to jaw pain, TMJ disorders, tooth damage, gum issues, and poor facial symmetry. In children, it can interfere with speech and normal jaw development.

How long does it take to correct a crossbite?

Treatment duration depends on the severity of the crossbite and the method used. Invisalign or braces typically require 12–24 months. Early intervention in children may significantly shorten treatment time.