– A crossbite? Here is how we fix it.
A crossbite, where some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside, often comes from a narrow upper jaw. It is one of the most rewarding things to catch early. Here is what it is and how we treat it.
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Reviewed by Dr Shaz MacAvoy, Specialist Orthodontist. Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics), registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand.
Crossbites, corrected
Real Milk Orthodontics patients, treated by a specialist and shared with their permission. Your own plan is designed for your specific case.
What a crossbite is
A crossbite is when one or more upper teeth close inside the lower teeth, instead of outside them where they should. It can be at the front (anterior) or the back (posterior), and it is often a sign that the upper jaw is a little narrow. Caught early, it is one of the simplest things to put right.
Why early helps
A narrow upper jaw is much easier to widen while a child is still growing. Correcting a crossbite early can guide the jaws to grow evenly and head off bigger problems, which is why we like to see these young.
Why it is worth treating
A crossbite can wear teeth unevenly, push the jaw to one side as it grows, and lead to gum recession over time. Fixing it protects the teeth and helps the face grow symmetrically.
How we treat it
A palatal expander gently widens a narrow upper jaw, often in a matter of months. A front-tooth crossbite can be corrected with a simple appliance or braces. Every plan is designed by a specialist for the individual bite.
Crossbites range from a single tooth to the whole arch, so a specialist look tells you exactly what is needed. A free Smile Assessment tells you exactly what is going on and whether treatment is needed. We treat this in children, teens and adults.
Clear pricing, no surprises
The first step is a free Smile Assessment, in the clinic or over Zoom. A full diagnostic work-up with a written plan and exact quote is $390. Simple cosmetic treatment from $7,900, comprehensive specialist treatment from $9,900 with most cases around $10,400, all-inclusive of records, appliances, appointments, retainers and aftercare. Interest-free in-house plans work out around $60 to $76 a week, and family discounts apply for siblings.
Answered honestly
What is a crossbite?
A crossbite is when some of your upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth rather than outside them. It can be at the front of the mouth or the back, on one side or both, and it often points to a narrow upper jaw. A specialist orthodontist can see it easily at an assessment.
What is a palatal expander?
A palatal expander is a small appliance fitted to the upper teeth that gently widens a narrow upper jaw over a few weeks, then holds it while new bone forms. It is very effective in growing children and is a common, comfortable way to correct a posterior crossbite.
What is the best age to treat a crossbite?
Early is ideal, because the upper jaw widens most easily while a child is still growing, often between about 7 and 10 years. Crossbites can still be treated later, but it may take a different approach, so an early check is worthwhile.
How much does crossbite treatment cost?
Simple early interceptive treatment can be modest, and full treatment follows our standard pricing: simple cosmetic from $7,900 and comprehensive specialist treatment from $9,900, all-inclusive, including GST. You get an exact written quote after your free assessment.
Find out if it needs treating now
A free 20 minute Smile Assessment, in the clinic or over Zoom. No referral needed, no obligation, just honest specialist advice on your crossbite and the best time to treat it.
See more before and after results, or explore other conditions we treat.