Crossbite Correction

A crossbite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly, with some upper teeth sitting behind the lower teeth instead of in front of them. It can affect the front teeth, the back teeth, or both, and is often noticed during a routine dental checkup or a first orthodontic evaluation. Left unaddressed, a crossbite can influence how the jaw grows and how teeth wear over time, which is why many families look into treatment while a child is still growing.

How Crossbites Are Evaluated

Dr. Aesha Chaudhry, an orthodontist and board-certified pediatric dentist, evaluates how the jaws and teeth align before recommending a treatment approach. Digital dental X-rays and digital intraoral scanning help build a clear picture of the bite, the jaw relationship, and how the teeth are positioned relative to one another.

Treatment Options

Palatal Expanders — a fitted appliance that gradually widens a narrow upper jaw, creating room and correcting the bite alignment.
Headgear — used in growing patients to guide jaw growth and help the upper and lower teeth meet correctly.
Traditional Metal Braces or Clear Braces — used once the jaw relationship is corrected, to bring individual teeth into their final positions.

Timing Matters

Crossbite correction is often part of Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment, started while the jaw is still developing, though family orthodontics options are available for older teens and adults as well.