What is a crossbite? Symptoms, causes & treatment options

You may notice something feels different when you bite down. Your teeth don’t seem to fit together the way they should. Maybe you’re chewing more on one side or experiencing headaches without a clear reason. In some cases, those symptoms point to a crossbite—one of the more common types of bite misalignment.

A crossbite happens when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside them. It can affect a single tooth or several. Over time, an untreated crossbite may contribute to uneven tooth wear, jaw discomfort, gum recession or changes in facial balance. The good news is that crossbites can often be corrected at almost any age. Treatment options may include traditional braces, clear aligners, palatal expanders or, in more complex cases, surgical care.

Understanding your specific oral health needs is the first step toward improving alignment and supporting long-term comfort.

What causes crossbite teeth?

A crossbite happens when one or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of resting outside them in a balanced bite. It may affect one side of the jaw, known as a unilateral crossbite, or both sides, called a bilateral crossbite. Several factors can contribute to how a crossbite develops.

Genetics: Bite alignment concerns often run in families. Jaw size and shape are inherited traits. When the upper jaw is naturally narrower than the lower jaw, crossbite alignment can occur.

Childhood habits: Prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use beyond age three or tongue thrusting may shift developing teeth out of position.

Delayed or uneven tooth eruption: If baby teeth fall out too early or too late, or permanent teeth come in unevenly, teeth can drift into improper positions. In some cases, a single tooth crossbite occurs when one permanent tooth erupts out of alignment.

Even one misaligned tooth can affect how your bite functions and may influence long-term oral health.

Types of crossbite: anterior crossbite vs. posterior crossbite

An anterior crossbite affects the front teeth. When you close your mouth, one or more upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth instead of slightly in front. This type of crossbite can influence your facial profile and may affect speech.

A posterior crossbite involves the back teeth. In this case, the upper molars or premolars sit inside the lower teeth when you bite down, rather than outside them. Over time, this can lead to uneven tooth wear and may contribute to jaw discomfort.

It’s also important to understand the difference between dental and skeletal crossbites. A dental crossbite occurs when the teeth are positioned incorrectly, while a skeletal crossbite involves the alignment of the jaw bones themselves. Skeletal crossbites often require more comprehensive treatment to correct.

How to tell if you have a crossbite

Crossbite symptoms are not always obvious. Many patients learn they have one during a routine dental exam. Still, there are signs to watch for.

Jaw discomfort is common. You may notice soreness in the morning or after meals. When teeth don’t align properly, jaw muscles work harder to compensate, which can lead to tension and strain.

Headaches—often felt at the temples or behind the eyes—can also be related. Ongoing muscle tension from an imbalanced bite may radiate upward and trigger discomfort.

Uneven tooth wear, especially on one side, is another indicator. A crossbite can cause teeth to grind against each other in ways they weren’t designed to, wearing down enamel over time.

You may also notice difficulty chewing. Favoring one side or struggling with certain foods can signal that your bite isn’t functioning evenly.

Over time, untreated crossbites can even contribute to subtle facial asymmetry, as the jaw adapts to the imbalance.

What happens if you don’t fix a crossbite?

It can be tempting to ignore a crossbite if it isn’t causing pain right now. But over time, untreated misalignment can lead to complications that affect long-term oral health.

• Gum recession: When teeth meet at the wrong angle, repeated pressure can cause gums to pull away from the teeth. This may expose the roots, increasing the risk of sensitivity and decay. Gum tissue does not grow back on its own once it recedes.

• Enamel wear: Improper tooth contact can speed up tooth decay. As enamel thins, teeth become more vulnerable to cavities and temperature sensitivity. In some cases, restorative treatment such as fillings, crowns or root canal therapy may be needed.

• TMJ concerns: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull. A misaligned bite can place added strain on this joint, potentially leading to clicking, limited movement or ongoing discomfort.

• Muscle tension: Chronic headaches, neck soreness and shoulder tension may also stem from bite-related muscle imbalance. Some patients notice disrupted sleep when jaw discomfort makes it difficult to rest comfortably.

How to fix a crossbite: treatment options

Crossbite correction depends on several factors, including your age, the severity of the misalignment and whether the concern is dental or skeletal. The good news is that effective treatment options are available in most situations.

Traditional braces gradually guide teeth into better alignment and can address both anterior and posterior crossbites. Braces use small brackets attached to the teeth and connected by wires that are adjusted over time to shift teeth into position. Treatment often takes 18–24 months, though timelines vary based on case complexity.

Clear aligners are removable, custom-made trays designed to correct mild to moderate dental crossbites. Each set of aligners gently moves teeth in stages. Clear aligners are generally not recommended for skeletal crossbites, which may require more comprehensive care.

Palatal expanders are commonly used for posterior crossbites in children and teens whose jaws are still developing. The device fits along the roof of the mouth and gradually widens the upper jaw to create space for proper alignment.

Treating crossbite in adults

Crossbite correction is possible for adults, though treatment may take longer than it does for children. Because the jaw bones are fully developed, growth-based approaches are no longer an option. However, teeth can still be moved safely at nearly any age.

Traditional braces remain an effective treatment for adults with crossbites. Some providers offer ceramic braces that blend more closely with natural tooth color for a less noticeable appearance.

When a crossbite is caused by jaw structure rather than tooth position alone, surgical treatment may be recommended. Orthognathic surgery repositions the jaw bones to improve alignment and function. This approach is often combined with braces before and after surgery to support stable results. Recovery time varies, but many patients return to regular activities within a few weeks. Long-term benefits may include improved bite function, enhanced facial balance and, in some cases, easier breathing.

Crossbite treatment at Aspen Dental

At Aspen Dental, addressing a crossbite is about more than straightening teeth. It’s about relieving discomfort, preventing uneven wear and restoring a bite that functions the way it should.

With more than 3,000 providers across over 1,100 locations nationwide—and over 25 years of experience serving patients—Aspen Dental teams focus on clear explanations and practical solutions. During your exam, a provider will evaluate your bite, take X-rays if needed and walk you through what’s happening with your teeth and jaw.

Dental care should fit into your life—not add stress. With same-day availability and flexible hours in many locations, scheduling care can feel more manageable.

Crossbite treatment cost and financing

The cost of crossbite correction depends on the type of treatment recommended and the complexity of your case. Treatment length can also influence overall cost.

Aspen Dental accepts most dental insurance plans, and the care team reviews your benefits before treatment begins so you know what to expect. Medicaid is not accepted at Aspen Dental offices.

If treatment isn’t fully covered by insurance, financing may help make out-of-pocket costs more manageable. Aspen Dental works with trusted third-party lenders—where 99% of patient applications are approved after applying—to offer flexible payment options. The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is also available and provides discounted services for a low annual fee. Your care team can explain how these options may apply to your treatment.

Addressing a crossbite can also help prevent future dental concerns. When you consider the potential cost of crowns, gum treatment or TMJ-related care that untreated misalignment may lead to, correcting the issue early can support both oral health and long-term value.

When to see a dental provider

For adults, the right time to address a crossbite is when you’re ready to understand your options. If you’re experiencing jaw discomfort, headaches, difficulty chewing or noticing uneven tooth wear, it’s a good time to schedule an exam at your local Aspen Dental office.

Even if your crossbite isn’t causing pain, having it evaluated can help prevent future concerns. Crossbite correction is possible at any age, and addressing it earlier may reduce the risk of added wear or strain over time.

FAQs about crossbite

Can a crossbite fix itself?

A crossbite does not correct itself. A professional evaluation can help determine whether monitoring the issue or starting active treatment is the right approach for you.

How long does crossbite treatment take?

Treatment time varies based on the severity of the crossbite and the method used. Traditional braces often require 18–24 months. More complex surgical cases may involve orthodontic treatment before and after surgery, with total treatment lasting two to three years.

Is crossbite correction painful?

It’s common to feel pressure or mild soreness as teeth begin to shift, especially after adjustments. Most patients find this manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. According to guidance from the American Dental Association, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), alone or combined with acetaminophen, are often recommended for short-term dental discomfort.¹ Soreness typically improves within a few days.

Will I need to wear a retainer after crossbite treatment?

Yes. Retainers help maintain alignment after orthodontic treatment. Teeth naturally tend to shift over time, and a retainer helps hold them in position while the surrounding bone and tissue stabilize. Your Aspen Dental provider will explain how often and how long to wear your retainer.

If you’re experiencing jaw discomfort, uneven tooth wear or simply feel that your bite isn’t functioning the way it should, crossbite correction may be an option. The first step is understanding what’s happening and what solutions fit your needs.

Aspen Dental offers comprehensive care in one place, with same-day appointments available at many locations and financing through third-party lenders—where 99% of patient applications are approved after applying—to help make treatment more manageable.

Schedule an appointment at your nearest Aspen Dental office to have your bite evaluated and discuss a treatment plan designed around your goals.

^{¹ American Dental Association. New guideline details acute pain management strategies for adolescent, adult dental patients. https://www.ada.org/about/press-releases/new-guideline-details-acute-pain-management-strategies-for-adolescent-adult-dental-patients}