Crossbite Treatment: Causes, Options and Timescales

Normally, the upper teeth sit slightly outside the lower teeth all the way around the arch. In a crossbite, one or more upper teeth close on the inside instead. It can involve a single front tooth, a group of back teeth on one side, or the whole upper arch. Crossbites are common in children, are easy to miss because they rarely hurt, and are one of the bite problems where an early orthodontic check is most useful.

What causes a crossbite?

• A narrow upper jaw, the most common reason for back-tooth crossbites.
• Teeth erupting in the wrong position, often because of crowding or a baby tooth staying too long.
• Habits such as thumb sucking, which can narrow the upper arch.
• Mouth breathing, linked to a low tongue position and narrower upper jaw.
• Jaw size differences, where a large lower jaw contributes, often alongside an underbite.

Why treat a crossbite?

A crossbite may look minor, but it can cause:

• Uneven wear on the teeth that meet edge to edge.
• Gum recession on lower front teeth pushed forward by an upper tooth.
• A jaw shift: with one-sided crossbites, the lower jaw often slides sideways to find a comfortable bite. In children this can encourage uneven jaw growth.
• Jaw joint strain and chewing difficulty for some adults.

How is a crossbite treated in children?

Children are easier to treat because the joint in the middle of the upper jaw has not fused. A palate expander fitted to the upper back teeth gently widens the jaw over a few weeks, after which it stays in place for a few months while new bone forms. Our guide to palate expanders explains how they work and what they feel like.

Single front-tooth crossbites in children can often be corrected quickly with a small removable appliance or a short course of braces. Correcting early can prevent wear and jaw shift, and may make later treatment shorter.

How is a crossbite treated in adults?

In adults, the upper jaw cannot be widened as easily, so treatment focuses on moving the teeth:

• Clear aligners can expand the arch slightly and tip teeth outwards, and suit many mild crossbites. Attachments help the trays grip; see Invisalign attachments.
• Fixed braces with an expanded archwire, sometimes with cross elastics, give more control when teeth need to move further.
• Mini-screw assisted expanders can widen the upper jaw in some young adults.
• Surgically assisted expansion is used for wide skeletal crossbites in adults where teeth alone cannot correct the problem.

Our types of braces guide compares metal, ceramic and lingual braces, and Invisalign vs braces explains when aligners are the better fit.

How long does crossbite correction take?

How much does crossbite treatment cost in London?

The cost depends on the appliance. Typical private fees in London start from about £1,200 for children's interceptive treatment, £2,650 to £2,800 for adult Invisalign, £2,800 (outer London) to £3,650 (central) for metal braces and £3,150 to £4,000 for ceramic braces. The full price list is in how much braces cost in London and the UK.

Children with significant crossbites, particularly those that cause the jaw to shift, may qualify for NHS orthodontic treatment after assessment.

What does treatment feel like?

A palate expander feels tight for a few minutes after each turn, and speech and swallowing usually feel strange for the first few days. A small gap often appears between the upper front teeth as the jaw widens; this is expected and closes again later. Adults with aligners notice pressure for a day or two with each new set of trays, and cross elastics take some getting used to. Most people find any discomfort settles quickly and is manageable with ordinary pain relief. Our guide does Invisalign hurt? describes what aligner pressure is like.

Is it worth treating a crossbite in an adult?

For many adults, yes, even if the crossbite has been there for years. The case for treating is strongest when:

• Teeth in crossbite are chipping, wearing or becoming loose
• The gum on a lower front tooth is receding because an upper tooth is pushing it forward
• Your jaw clicks or aches and you notice it sliding to one side when you close
• You are planning crowns, veneers or implants and want them to sit on a stable bite
• You simply want a broader, more even smile

If a crossbite is stable, painless and causing no wear, it is reasonable to leave it alone. An orthodontist can tell you which group you are in and what would happen if you waited.

Can a crossbite come back?

Yes, especially back-tooth crossbites after expansion, because the arch tends to narrow again. Retainers are important; many patients wear a removable retainer at night long term. See retainer costs for the options.

Does a crossbite affect the jaw joint?

A one-sided crossbite often makes the lower jaw slide sideways as the teeth close, because the narrow upper arch forces the bite to find a comfortable position. Over years, this habitual shift can leave the chin slightly off centre and put uneven load on the jaw joints and chewing muscles. Not everyone with a crossbite gets jaw symptoms, and orthodontic treatment is not a guaranteed cure for jaw pain, but removing the shift gives the joints a more even bite to work with. We check for clicking, tenderness and how far you can open at your assessment.

Choosing between aligners and braces for a crossbite

Other bite problems to rule out

Crossbites often occur with other issues. A reversed front bite may be part of an underbite, and crowding often comes with crossbites on individual teeth. If your concern is mainly the vertical overlap of your front teeth, see overbite treatment for adults.

What happens at a crossbite consultation?

We examine how your teeth meet, check whether your jaw shifts when you close, look at the width of the upper jaw and take photos and a 3D scan. For children, we also look at which adult teeth are still to come through. You will receive a written plan explaining whether treatment is needed now or later, which appliance suits, how long it should take and what it costs.

Signs of a crossbite to look out for

Parents and adults often notice:

• The lower jaw moving to one side as the teeth close
• An upper front tooth sitting behind the lower teeth
• The midline of the upper and lower front teeth not matching
• Uneven wear or chipping on front teeth
• A narrow smile with dark spaces at the corners

If you notice any of these, an orthodontic check is worthwhile. Request a consultation and tell us whether the appointment is for an adult or a child.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• How Much Do Braces Cost in London and the UK? (2026)
• Invisalign Cost in the UK and London: 2026 Prices
• Orthodontic Treatment in West London and Hammersmith
• Overbite Treatment for Adults in London
• Palate Expander: How It Works, Adult Options and Cost
• London Invisalign and Braces Price Index 2026
• Orthodontists in London: Invisalign and braces
• Areas of London we cover