A crossbite is one of the most common dental malocclusions, in children and adults alike, and one of the ones that raises the most questions in the office. A crossbite means the upper and lower teeth sit in the wrong position relative to each other, so they do not fit together properly when you bite. Many patients ask whether it can be solved without going into surgery, and the answer is that in a very high percentage of cases it can.
In this article we explain what a crossbite is, why it happens, what it leads to if it is not treated in time, and how it is solved today with clear aligners, including real clinical cases and explanatory videos so you can see it for yourself.
What is a crossbite?
A crossbite is the situation in which one or more upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth instead of on the outside, which would be the correct position. It can affect a single tooth, a group of teeth or the whole arch, and it is usually picked up in childhood, although it is also very common to diagnose it in adults who never had it treated.
Types of crossbite
- Anterior crossbite: affects the front teeth (incisors), which sit behind the lower ones.
- Posterior crossbite: affects the premolars and molars, at the sides of the mouth.
- Unilateral crossbite: occurs on only one side of the mouth.
- Bilateral crossbite: affects both sides symmetrically.
Causes of a crossbite
Why does a crossbite happen? A crossbite is caused by a mismatch between the growth of the jaws, the position of the teeth, or both at once, and it can be genetic in origin or brought on by functional habits during childhood. The most common causes of a crossbite are:
- Genetics: some crossbites come down to the shape and size of the jaws inherited from the parents.
- Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use: these habits put pressure on the palate and can alter the way it develops, encouraging a crossbite.
- Early loss of baby teeth: when a baby tooth is lost too soon, the remaining teeth can drift and create a crossbite.
- Mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing: habitually breathing through the mouth rather than the nose is associated with a narrower palate and with crossbite.
- Lack of space in the upper or lower jaw: when the bone is not big enough for all the teeth, they can end up in a crossed position.
- Bone discrepancies between the two jaws: a size difference between the upper jaw and the lower jaw is one of the most common causes of crossbite in adults.
In short, a crossbite is usually down to a combination of genetic factors and childhood habits that affect how the jaws develop, which is why an early diagnosis helps identify the specific cause in each case.
What happens if a crossbite is left untreated
What happens if a crossbite is not treated? If a crossbite is not corrected, it is not just a cosmetic issue: over time it can affect the teeth, the jaw joint and facial development. The most common consequences of leaving a crossbite untreated are:
- Uneven tooth wear: because the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly, some of them take more force than they should and wear down early.
- Problems in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ): a crossbite can cause pain, clicking or tension in the jaw when speaking or chewing.
- Changes in facial growth: in children, an untreated crossbite can lead to asymmetric development of the jaws and the face.
- Difficulty chewing properly: when the two arches do not meet correctly, it is harder to chew food efficiently.
- A higher risk of gum recession: the teeth affected by a crossbite are more exposed to receding gums over time.
Leaving a crossbite untreated can lead to dental, joint and facial development problems that get harder and harder to correct, so the sooner it is diagnosed, the simpler and more conservative the treatment tends to be.
How is a crossbite corrected?
For years, many crossbites were associated with complex treatments involving tooth extractions or even orthognathic surgery. Advances in orthodontics have changed that picture.
Clear aligners as a solution without surgery
Today, thanks to clear aligner systems and very precise digital planning of tooth movement, most crossbites can be corrected without surgery and without extractions, moving the teeth gradually and under control until the two arches fit together properly.
The treatment is built on:
- An initial work-up with photographs, an intraoral scan and X-rays.
- A digital simulation of the final result before starting.
- Custom clear aligners that are changed at set intervals.
- Regular check-ups to monitor how the tooth movement is progressing.
Crossbite cases solved with clear aligners
- A very severe Class III solved with clear aligners. No surgery
- Invisalign clear aligners to correct a gummy smile
- Missing lateral incisors replaced with implants
As you can see in these cases, every crossbite has its own characteristics, which is why an individual diagnosis is key before setting out the treatment plan. To make the process easier to picture, below you can watch some explanatory videos that go into more detail on how a crossbite is diagnosed and corrected step by step.
Why choose Dr. Diego Peydro
Dr. Diego Peydro specializes in treating crossbites with clear aligners, with an approach centered on resolving this type of malocclusion without resorting to surgery or tooth extractions. Thanks to digital planning and individual follow-up of every case, he offers his patients a more conservative and more predictable alternative to traditional treatments, tailoring each treatment plan to the severity and specific characteristics of each patient’s crossbite.
Frequently asked questions about crossbite
At what age should a crossbite be treated?
The sooner it is picked up the simpler the treatment usually is, but it can also be corrected in adulthood.
Does clear aligner treatment hurt?
It is normal to feel some pressure during the first few days with each new set of aligners, but it should not be severe pain.
Can every crossbite be solved with clear aligners?
The great majority can, although every case needs an individual diagnosis to weigh up the best option.
A crossbite is a common problem, but with the right diagnosis and today’s clear aligner techniques it can be corrected in most cases without surgery and without extractions. If you notice that your upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly when you bite, the best thing to do is book an individual assessment as soon as possible.
