A child’s teeth do not always fit together perfectly while the mouth is developing. Some temporary irregularities improve as permanent teeth erupt, but a crossbite is one problem that deserves an orthodontic evaluation.
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. It can involve the front teeth, back teeth or both sides of the mouth.
Not every crossbite requires immediate treatment, but identifying the cause early can be important. Because children are still growing, an orthodontist may have options that are less practical after the jaws have finished developing.
At Parker Wentz Orthodontics, Dr. Parker Wentz evaluates the teeth, bite and jaw development before determining whether a child needs treatment now, later or simply continued monitoring.
What Does a Crossbite Look Like?
Normally, the upper teeth sit slightly outside the lower teeth. With a crossbite, this relationship is reversed in part of the mouth.
Parents may notice:
- One or more lower front teeth sitting ahead of the upper front teeth
- Upper back teeth biting inside the lower back teeth
- The lower jaw shifting to one side when the child closes
- Uneven contact between the teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Uneven tooth wear
- Facial or smile asymmetry
- A child repeatedly moving the jaw to find a comfortable bite
A crossbite can sometimes be difficult to recognize without an examination. The teeth may appear fairly straight even though the upper and lower arches do not fit together correctly.
You can see descriptions of crossbites and other bite concerns on our Common Orthodontic Problems page.
What Causes a Crossbite?
Crossbites can develop for several reasons. Sometimes the upper jaw is narrower than the lower jaw. In other cases, individual teeth erupt in the wrong position even though the jaw widths are relatively balanced.
Contributing factors may include:
- Genetics and inherited jaw-growth patterns
- A narrow upper dental arch
- Crowded or displaced teeth
- Prolonged thumb- or finger-sucking
- Abnormal tongue posture or swallowing patterns
- Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
- Permanent teeth erupting along an altered path
- Differences in upper and lower jaw growth
Some children also have breathing or oral-habit concerns alongside a narrow upper arch. These factors should be evaluated individually rather than assuming that every crossbite has the same cause.
Are There Different Types of Crossbites?
Yes. Identifying the type of crossbite helps determine the most appropriate treatment.
Anterior crossbite
An anterior crossbite involves the front teeth. One or more lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when the child bites down.
Sometimes this is caused by the position of individual teeth. In other cases, it reflects a difference in how the upper and lower jaws are developing.
Posterior crossbite
A posterior crossbite involves the back teeth. The upper back teeth sit inside the lower back teeth instead of slightly outside them.
A posterior crossbite may affect one side or both sides of the mouth. It is often associated with a narrow upper arch.
Functional crossbite
A functional crossbite causes the child to shift the lower jaw to one side to bring the teeth together comfortably.
This shift may make the jaw or face appear uneven when the child bites. An early evaluation can help determine whether removing the interference would allow the jaw to close more naturally.
Why Can Early Evaluation Matter?
The goal of an early orthodontic evaluation is not to place every young child into treatment. It is to identify problems that may be easier to address while growth is still occurring.
Depending on the cause, an untreated crossbite may be associated with:
- Uneven tooth wear
- Gum recession around teeth receiving excessive pressure
- A persistent lower-jaw shift
- Increasing bite asymmetry
- Difficulty chewing
- More complicated treatment later
Some crossbites should be monitored, while others may benefit from earlier correction. Timing depends on the child’s age, tooth eruption, jaw development and the specific type of crossbite.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation around age seven. Learn more about what is assessed on our Early Orthodontic Treatment page.
How Is a Crossbite Treated?
Treatment depends on whether the problem originates mainly from tooth position, arch width, jaw growth or a combination of these factors.
Possible approaches include:
- A palatal expander to create additional width in the upper arch
- Limited braces to guide specific teeth
- Clear aligners in selected cases
- Habit correction when thumb-sucking or tongue posture contributes
- Growth monitoring when immediate treatment is unnecessary
- Comprehensive orthodontic treatment after more permanent teeth erupt
An expander is not necessary for every crossbite. Likewise, moving a single tooth may not correct a problem caused by the relationship between the jaws. A complete diagnosis is needed before selecting an appliance.
Does Correcting a Crossbite Prevent Braces Later?
Not necessarily.
Early treatment may correct a developing bite problem, improve the relationship between the arches or create a better environment for permanent teeth to erupt. However, a child may still need braces or clear aligners later to complete tooth alignment after the remaining permanent teeth appear.
When early treatment is recommended, its purpose is to address a specific developmental problem—not to promise that future orthodontic treatment will never be needed.
What Happens During the Evaluation?
During a complimentary orthodontic evaluation, Dr. Wentz will assess:
- Which teeth are in crossbite
- Whether the lower jaw shifts when closing
- The width and shape of the upper arch
- Tooth eruption and available space
- Upper- and lower-jaw relationships
- Relevant oral habits
- Whether treatment is appropriate now or later
Diagnostic records may include photographs, a digital scan and X-rays when clinically appropriate.
Dr. Parker Wentz will review the findings with your family and explain the available options. If treatment is not needed yet, continued monitoring may be the best plan.
Schedule a Crossbite Evaluation in Seminole
If you notice that your child’s upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly, you do not need to wait for the problem to become more noticeable.
Parker Wentz Orthodontics sees patients at our Seminole office at 1006 Hobbs Highway, Suite A.
Schedule a complimentary orthodontic exam to learn whether your child’s crossbite needs treatment, monitoring or no intervention at this time.