Crossbite Teeth Treatment

Treating a Crossbite with Clear Aligners

What causes a crossbite, when to treat it, and how Jawology's clear aligners can help correct it - from the comfort of home.

example of crossbite teeth before clear aligner treatment

What is a Crossbite?

A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside them when biting down. Unlike a normal bite, where the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower, a crossbite means the alignment is reversed - either on one side, both sides, or at the front. Left untreated, a crossbite can cause uneven tooth wear, jaw strain, and gradual shifting of the teeth over time.

Types of Crossbite

Posterior Crossbite

The most common type - where one or more of the back teeth (molars or premolars) sit inside the lower teeth when biting. This is often most noticeable when chewing and can cause the jaw to shift to one side over time.

Anterior Crossbite

Where one or more of the upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth when biting. This is sometimes confused with an underbite but affects individual teeth rather than the entire jaw.

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What Causes a Crossbite?

Genetics

The shape and size of your jaw is largely inherited. If a parent had a crossbite, there's a higher likelihood of it developing - particularly when the upper jaw is naturally narrower than the lower.

Delayed loss of baby teeth

When baby teeth stay in place too long, adult teeth can erupt in the wrong position - pushing through behind or beside the baby tooth and locking into a crossbite position as they come through

Mouth breathing

Chronic mouth breathing - often caused by allergies or a deviated septum - can affect jaw development in childhood, causing the upper jaw to narrow and increasing the likelihood of a crossbite forming.

Childhood habits

Prolonged thumb sucking or dummy use can affect the development of the upper jaw and palate, causing the upper arch to narrow and the teeth to erupt in a crossbite position.

Abnormal tooth eruption

Sometimes adult teeth simply erupt in the wrong position without an obvious cause - pushing through at an angle or in a location that places them in a crossbite with the opposing teeth.

Reasons for crossbite treatment

Here's Why You Should Treat A Crossbite.

Clear dental aligners held by a hand against a light blue background

Uneven tooth wear

A crossbite causes certain teeth to absorb disproportionate biting force, leading to accelerated enamel wear, chipping, and sensitivity on the affected teeth over time.

Jaw shifting

A posterior crossbite can cause the jaw to habitually shift to one side when biting, which over time can lead to asymmetrical jaw development and facial imbalance.

Jaw pain & discomfort

When the jaw is forced to close in an unnatural position due to a crossbite, it places chronic stress on the jaw joint - contributing to TMJ disorders, facial pain, and headaches.

Harder to clean

Teeth sitting in a crossbite position are often rotated or misaligned, creating tight overlapping areas that are difficult to brush and floss effectively.

Self-confidence

A visible crossbite - particularly at the front teeth, can affect the symmetry of your smile and how you feel about your appearance in photos and social situations.

Speech & function

A crossbite can affect how the teeth and tongue work together when producing certain sounds, and can make biting and chewing less efficient and comfortable day to day.

Traditional Braces

Metal or ceramic brackets bonded to teeth with wires that correct a crossbite by gradually shifting teeth into proper alignment.

Clear Aligners - Jawology's Approach

Virtually invisible, removable, and custom-designed to your teeth. For mild-to-moderate crossbites - clear aligners, also known as clear braces, are a proven and effective solution that fits around your life.

Our process

Starting Clear Aligner Treatment

Week 1

Take Your Records

Capture your teeth with a 3D scan or at-home impression kit. We'll use this information to create your personalised treatment plan.

Week 2

Treatment Planning

Our team designs your custom plan and sends you a digital preview so you can see your expected results before starting.

Week 3

Start Treatment

Receive your transparent aligners and begin wearing them. Use your ScanBox™ for remote progress checks, ensuring your teeth are moving as planned.

Week 25+

Your New Smile

Complete your invisible braces treatment and move onto retainers to maintain your results. Enjoy your new smile, supported by our team every step of the way.

4-6 Months - Average Treatment Time -

example of a dentist using a 3D scanner in a patient's mouth

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Why Jawology?

Transparent Pricing

Transparent, fixed pricing, thousands lower than at clinics.

Complete Oral Care

Whitening Kit, Sonic Toothbrush, Retainers & more included.

Clinical Oversight

Every treatment reviewed & monitored by Australian-registered dentists.

At Home or In-Clinic

Start with a 3D scan or at-home impressions, Australia-wide.

Treating a Crossbite with Clear Aligners

What is a Crossbite?

Types of Crossbite