A crossbite means some upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth when you bite. For most people, fixing one does not require jaw surgery at all. Expanders, clear aligners, or braces guide the teeth into a healthy bite. This guide explains how non-surgical crossbite correction works and when it fits you.
Dr. Joseph Goodman has corrected bites in Beverly Hills for 27 years, trained in Germany and the US. Patients come to him from Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Holmby Hills for this care. He treats the bite and the face together rather than one tooth at a time. Dr. Goodman’s bite correction work centers on balance, comfort, and a natural, lasting result.
What Is a Crossbite, and Can You Fix It Without Surgery?
A crossbite is when some upper teeth close inside the lower teeth instead of outside. It can affect the front teeth, the back teeth, or one side only. When every upper front tooth sits behind the lower teeth, that is a different problem, and non-surgical underbite correction covers it. About 1 in 6 children has some form of crossbite. Most cases correct without surgery, using expanders, clear aligners, or braces.
The right fix depends on whether the crossbite comes from the teeth or the jaw. A dental crossbite means a few teeth tipped into the wrong position. A skeletal crossbite means the upper jaw grew too narrow for the lower one. Dr. Goodman checks the cause with an exam and X-ray before recommending care.
What Happens If You Leave a Crossbite Untreated?
An untreated crossbite can wear your teeth unevenly and strain your jaw over time. The teeth in the crossbite take more force than they should with each bite. Across 10 to 20 years, this leads to worn enamel and gum recession. Many people also shift the jaw to one side to chew more comfortably.
In children, a crossbite can push the jaw to grow unevenly on one side. This may lead to facial asymmetry as the face develops. The habit of shifting the jaw can also strain the joint over time. Early care keeps the fix simple, while years of delay can make it harder.
What Causes a Crossbite?
Most crossbites come from jaw size and genetics rather than anything you did. Knowing your cause helps Dr. Goodman choose the right plan for you. Here are the common reasons a crossbite develops over the years.
- Genetics, since jaw size and shape often run in families
- A narrow upper jaw that does not fit the lower one
- Baby teeth lost too early or kept too long
- Childhood thumb sucking or long-term pacifier use
- Mouth breathing that changes how the jaw grows
- Crowding or extra teeth that push others out of line
Many of these causes begin in childhood, which is why early care helps so much. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests a first orthodontic visit by age 7. Widening a narrow jaw is easiest while a child is still growing. Adults can still fix a crossbite, though the plan usually takes a little longer.
How Do You Fix a Crossbite Without Surgery?
Non-surgical crossbite correction moves teeth with expanders, clear aligners, or braces. Most cases run about 12 to 24 months from start to finish. A palatal expander gently widens a narrow upper jaw over a few months. Clear aligners or braces then guide each tooth into its proper place. In children, an expander alone can fix many crossbites early.
Dr. Goodman often pairs clear aligners with FACE dentistry for the best result. This method reads your whole face, not the teeth alone, so your bite and features stay balanced. Every plan starts with a digital scan and a close look at how you bite. He walks you through the steps, the timeline, and the result before treatment begins. You always know what to expect at each stage of care.
Non-Surgical vs Surgical Crossbite Correction: Which Do You Need?
The right path depends on how much of your crossbite comes from teeth versus jaw. The table below compares the two options across the points patients care about most. Use it as a starting point rather than a final verdict on your bite.
| Option | How it works | Best for | Recovery | Timeline |
| Non-surgical | Expanders, aligners, braces | Mild to moderate, dental | None, daily wear | 12 to 24 months |
| Surgical | Jaw surgery plus braces | Severe, skeletal | Weeks of healing | 18 to 24 months plus surgery |
Most crossbites land in the mild to moderate range, where non-surgical care works well. When a case is severe and jaw-based, Dr. Goodman tells you honestly up front. He will not sell you an aligner plan when it cannot reach your goal. Your exam and imaging point to the honest choice for your case.
Are You a Candidate for Non-Surgical Crossbite Correction?
Good candidates have healthy teeth along with a dental or mild jaw-based crossbite. Your gums should be free of active disease before treatment begins. Here is what tends to make someone a strong fit for non-surgical care.
- A mild to moderate crossbite driven mainly by tooth position
- Healthy teeth and gums with no active gum disease present
- A narrow upper jaw an expander can gently widen
- A child still growing, where early care works best
- A willingness to wear aligners 20 to 22 hours each day
- Realistic goals for a balanced, natural-looking end result
We treat any gum disease or decay first, since a healthy base helps teeth move safely. When a case is severe and skeletal, we walk you through the surgical route honestly. Either way, you hear a straight answer from Dr. Goodman before you spend a dollar. This honesty is the whole point of your first visit with him.
How Long Does It Take, and What Does It Cost?
Non-surgical crossbite correction usually takes 12 to 24 months, based on how far teeth must move. Treatment often runs between 3,000 and 8,000 dollars, depending on the tools you need. An expander can add to the cost when a narrow jaw needs widening. Beverly Hills prices tend to sit a bit above the national average. Dr. Goodman gives you an honest quote after your exam, so nothing surprises you later.
Your final cost depends on the type of crossbite and which tools it needs. A simple aligner case sits at the lower end, while expanders and braces run higher. Many dental plans cover part of orthodontic care, and we check your benefits for you first. We also offer payment options through CareCredit, so you can spread the cost over time. You leave your first visit knowing your plan, your timeline, and your price.
Will Your Crossbite Come Back After Treatment?
Your crossbite can return if you stop wearing your retainer once treatment ends. Teeth naturally drift back toward where they started without something holding them. A retainer keeps your corrected bite locked in place for good. Most patients wear one nightly for the first 6 months, then a few nights weekly. The habit takes only seconds a day yet protects your whole result.
Dr. Goodman fits your retainer once your bite has fully settled into place. He checks the fit carefully and shows you how to clean and store it. A retainer costs far less than paying to redo your treatment later. Wear it as directed, and your corrected crossbite should stay put for years. This one small habit protects all the time and money you put in.
Fix Your Crossbite and Balance Your Bite with Dr. Goodman
You came here wondering if a crossbite means surgery, and for most people it does not. You deserve a bite that works well and teeth that wear evenly. Dr. Goodman has corrected crossbites in Beverly Hills for 27 years, trained in Germany and the US. He treats three generations of families from Century City to Brentwood with the same honest care. His patients return for years because he earns their trust.
The next step is simple and comes with no pressure at all. Come in for an honest exam, and Dr. Goodman will map out a clear plan. He tells you the truth about your options before you spend a single dollar. Book a consultation today and find out if you can fix your crossbite without surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a crossbite fix itself without treatment?
No, a crossbite does not correct on its own, and it often worsens over time. In children, a first orthodontic checkup by age 7 can catch it while the jaw still grows. In adults, the bite stays put until treatment actively moves it. The sooner you begin, the simpler the fix tends to be.
Does a crossbite cause other problems?
Yes, an untreated crossbite can wear teeth unevenly and strain the jaw joint. It can also cause gum recession on the teeth taking extra force. An untreated bite problem is linked to jaw pain and uneven wear. Fixing it early helps you avoid these longer-term problems.
Can adults fix a crossbite with clear aligners?
Many adults do this with a course of clear aligners. They move a mild to moderate crossbite without any surgery. A narrow jaw may still need an expander alongside them. A severe skeletal crossbite can still need surgery. Dr. Goodman tells you which approach fits after the exam.
Is non-surgical crossbite correction painful?
No, expanders and aligners create mild pressure rather than real pain. You may feel sore or tight for a day or two after each adjustment. That gentle pressure is how teeth move into place. Most people settle in within a week and soon adjust to the feeling.
