Crossbite.
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Crossbites can involve the front teeth, back teeth or one side of the bite. Each pattern needs a different assessment.
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Understanding crossbite
An anterior crossbite occurs when one or more upper front teeth sit behind opposing lower teeth. In a common posterior crossbite, upper back teeth bite inside the lower back teeth. A crossbite can affect an individual tooth or a group of teeth.
The illustration shows one possible anterior pattern. It does not represent every crossbite. Your clinician also checks the width of the arches, the jaw relationship and whether your jaw shifts as you close your teeth together.
When aligners may help
Aligners may reposition selected teeth in dental crossbite. Other cases need expansion or a combination of orthodontic methods. Treatment choice depends on the underlying relationship rather than the label alone.
Where treatment has limits
A skeletal width discrepancy, functional jaw shift or a crossbite in a growing child deserves specialist evaluation. Moving the visible tooth without understanding the surrounding bite can leave the underlying problem unresolved.
Plan for your whole smile
Before recommending movement, a dental professional needs to assess your teeth, gums, bite and relevant dental history. Records may include photographs, scans or impressions and X-rays when clinically indicated. Any active decay or gum disease needs appropriate care first.
Aligners used in comprehensive orthodontics may involve attachments, elastics, space-management procedures or regular office visits. These options are not necessarily part of a remote aligner service. Hello My Teeth eligibility must be confirmed individually; inclusion in this guide does not mean every case is accepted.
Ask your clinician
- Is my crossbite anterior, posterior or both?
- Is it dental or related to jaw width?
- Do I need expansion, attachments or another appliance?
Time, cost and follow-up
Ask for a written estimate based on your diagnosis, including the wear schedule, monitoring, possible refinements and retainers. The condition name alone cannot predict treatment time or price. See current plans and pricing and confirm what your recommended plan includes.
Crossbite and clear aligners
Can one tooth be in crossbite?
Yes. Crossbite may involve one tooth, several teeth or a wider part of the bite. The number of teeth is only one part of treatment planning.
Will aligners widen my jaw?
Tooth movement and skeletal jaw expansion are different. Ask your clinician what type of change is needed and which treatment can provide it.
Should a child with a crossbite wait for adult teeth?
Do not decide to wait based on an online guide. An orthodontist can assess growth and the appropriate timing for that child.
Further reading: AAO: Understanding crossbites. Educational information; updated September 30, 2026.
Related alignment concerns
Underbite
Lower front teeth sit ahead of the upper front teeth.
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Midline misalignment
The upper and lower dental center lines do not coincide.
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General misalignment
Several alignment or bite concerns occurring together.
Explore this caseA plan starts with
understanding your smile.
An online questionnaire is a starting point. A dental professional must confirm your oral health, diagnosis and treatment suitability.
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