What Is A Crossbite? Signs, Effects and Treatment

Ever noticed that your teeth don’t quite line up when you bite down? That could be a crossbite.

A crossbite is a common dental misalignment where one or more of the upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth when the mouth is in a closed position. But before heading to a dental expert, you might wonder what the signs of crossbite teeth are. What are the types, causes and potential effects of this dental misalignment? Are there any treatments available to resolve it, and how can we avoid it in the first place?

At Your Healthy Smile, our experienced dentists provide you with not just answers to these questions but also effective remedies to deal with them.

What Is a Crossbite?

A crossbite is a form of malocclusion (improper bite) where your teeth on one side of the mouth or both sides do not align correctly. Crossbite teeth can present in two primary forms, each with distinctly recognisable characteristics. This misalignment can involve:

• Anterior Crossbite: It transpires when your upper front teeth are sitting behind the lower front teeth when biting down. This misalignment is sometimes mistakenly called an underbite.
• Posterior Crossbite: When the back teeth on the upper jaw bite inside the lower back teeth. This type may affect one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral) of the mouth.

Affecting both children and adults, crossbite teeth can potentially lead to various oral health complications if left untreated.

How to Spot a Crossbite

You might experience the following:

• Misaligned teeth that are apparently visible when you are smiling or biting.
• Asymmetrical facial features.
• Problems with chewing and difficulty articulating words and delivering a clear speech.
• Persistent or throbbing pain in the jaw, along with restricted movement.
• Excessive wear on certain teeth, especially the ones mentioned in the anterior and posterior areas.
• Gum recession around affected teeth.

These symptoms may vary in severity depending on the extent of the crossbite teeth. If you notice any of these signs, booking an appointment with a dental specialist at Your Healthy Smile is advisable for prompt evaluation. It particularly proves to be a vital step if you search for a ‘top dental clinic near me’ in NSW.

But what happens if you decide to neglect the warning signs?

Potential Effects of Untreated Crossbite

An unattended for prolonged period of time, a crossbite condition can lead to highly discomforting complications for you. They extend beyond mere cosmetic concerns and lead to significant ones that affect the functionality like:

• Uneven wear on teeth: Abnormal bite patterns can cause excessive wear on certain teeth, potentially leading to fractures or the need for restorative work.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: The jaw may shift to compensate for the misalignment, potentially causing pain, clicking or restricted movement in the jaw joint.
• Gum disease risk: Misaligned teeth can be more difficult to clean effectively, increasing the risk of periodontal issues.
• Facial asymmetry: Because facial structures are still developing in children, untreated crossbites can lead to asymmetrical facial growth.
• Speech impediments: Severe crossbites can also affect proper tongue placement, potentially causing speech difficulties.

These potential consequences point to seeking treatment from a qualified dental professional at the earliest. When in St Clair and searching for a ‘reliable dental clinic near me’, Your Healthy Smile at 154 Bennett Rd will prove to be the best professional help.

Causes of Crossbite

Several factors can contribute to the development of a crossbite, including:

• Genetics: Family history of dental misalignments can increase the likelihood of developing crossbite teeth.
• Delayed tooth eruption or loss: Premature loss of baby teeth or delayed eruption of permanent teeth can alter the natural dental alignment.
• Prolonged habits: Extended thumb-sucking, pacifier use or incorrect bottle-feeding techniques may influence jaw development.
• Abnormal jaw growth: Disproportionate growth between the upper and lower jaws can result in misalignment.

Understanding these causes can help in prevention strategies, especially for young children who are still developing their permanent dentition. In Sydney, regular check-ups with a top-rated St Clair dentist that locals trust, can help monitor and address potential issues early.

Treatment Options You Can Consider for Crossbite

Identifying a crossbite and getting professional help can make a difference in preventing more serious dental issues. Thankfully, in 2025, there are a lot of compelling options for fixing crossbite teeth. However, the best treatment for you will depend on how severe the crossbite is, your age, and the health of your teeth and gums. It can include:

1. Palatal Expanders: Often used for children and adolescents whose jaws are still developing. By gradually widening the upper jaw, it helps to create more space and improves the alignment.
2. Braces or clear aligners: Traditional orthodontic methods can effectively reposition teeth in order to achieve proper alignment in both adolescents and adults.
3. Removable appliances: Certain devices are worn for prescribed periods to help guide teeth into the correct position. They are particularly useful in simpler cases.
4. Orthognathic Surgery: In severe cases, especially in adults with fully developed jaws, orthognathic surgery may be recommended to realign the jaw bones.
5. Tooth extraction: Occasionally, removing certain teeth may be necessary to create space for proper alignment.

The most preferred dentist that St Clair residents vouch for is Dr Lekha Menon and her team of experts. They at Your Healthy Smile clinic will conduct a comprehensive assessment and devise an appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation. Early intervention typically leads to simpler, more effective treatment outcomes.

How Can One Avoid Getting Crossbite Teeth?

While your genetic factors responsible for causing crossbite cannot be altered, certain preventive measures can lower the risk and severity of this condition for you:

• Regular dental check-ups are extremely vital to maintain healthy oral condition. These allow us to proactively detect any developing misalignments at nascent stages. They also simplify future orthodontic requirements.
• It is extremely important to monitor your child’s oral habits, like thumb-sucking, as these can directly impact their dental alignment. Our experts at Your Healthy Smile clinic can discuss strategies to help address these habits.
• Addressing premature loss of baby teeth appropriately is essential. We need to ensure that the permanent teeth have adequate space to erupt correctly, and sometimes that requires intervention.
• And, of course, following through with any recommended orthodontic treatments is key to achieving and maintaining optimal alignment and a healthy bite.

After successful treatment, maintaining the corrected alignment involves wearing retainers as directed by your dentist and regular visits. Together, these steps ensure continued oral health and prevent relapse. 

Brace Yourself, Transformation Ahead!

We have learnt that crossbite is a common dental misalignment occurring in the anterior and posterior regions, which is mostly treatable. However, neglecting the visible and functional signs like gum recession, difficulty in chewing and jaw pain can lead to severe side effects that ultimately require a professional consultation.

Once the causes are identified, appropriate treatment proves to be effective for crossbite teeth. Here, Dr Lekha Menon is the most preferred St Clair dentist that 154 Bennett Road residents pride themselves on.

Search ‘dental clinic near me’ on your devices and book an appointment at Your Healthy Smile, where you can avail yourself of the best comprehensive care in a comforting environment.

FAQs

1. What happens if crossbite is left untreated?
   

   Untreated crossbite can lead to jaw pain, enamel wear, gum recession, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, affecting overall oral health.
   

2. Can I fix my crossbite without surgery?
   

   Yes, mild to moderate crossbites can be corrected with braces, clear aligners, or expanders availed from a renowned  St Clair dentist that locals rely on, Dr Lekha Menon and her team at Your Healthy Smile.
   

3. Does crossbite affect the jawline?
   

   Yes, crossbite teeth can alter jaw alignment, leading to asymmetry and potential changes in facial appearance over time.
   

4. Is crossbite common in children?
   

   Yes, crossbite teeth are common in children and often require early intervention to prevent long-term dental and skeletal issues.
   

5. Can a crossbite cause headaches and affect speech?
   

   Yes, crossbite can strain jaw muscles, leading to tension headaches and TMJ-related discomfort. Severe crossbites can cause speech difficulties by affecting tongue placement and articulation.
   

6. Is crossbite hereditary?
   

   Yes, genetics play a significant role, as dental misalignments and jaw irregularities can be inherited.
   

7. Can a crossbite cause tooth sensitivity?
   

   Yes, uneven enamel wear from crossbite can lead to tooth sensitivity and increased risk of cavities. It is recommended to search for ‘dental clinic near me’ to resolve it quickly.
   

8. How long does it take to correct a crossbite?
   

   Treatment duration varies but typically takes 12–24 months with orthodontic appliances, depending on severity.