MDS - Orthodontics, an Orthodontist and Implantologist with 30 years of experience. He practices in Andheri West, Mumbai.
Updated on July 17, 2026
Do you think Crossbite only happen in kids? Well, think again. Many adults live with one without even realizing it. Does that mean you have to stick to Teeth Braces to fix it? Absolutely not. Teeth Aligners do a much better job at that.
But the question is whether crossbites are so prevalent among people. Don’t worry, we have got data to back that up.
According to a study by the Journal of Research in Medical and Dental Science, 35.51% and 14.49% of male patients had posterior and anterior crossbites, respectively, whereas 37.35% and 12.65% were reported in the female patients.
But what are anterior and posterior crossbites? Let’s explore those and more crossbite types in this blog, along with treatment options and costs.
What Is A Crossbite?
A Cross Bite is a tooth misalignment issue in which the upper set of teeth fits behind the lower set when you close your mouth. This can negatively affect the front or back of your mouth.
So, if you’re wondering, “How do I tell if I have a crossbite?”, check this out.
Is A Slight Crossbite Okay?
No, even a slight crossbite isn’t okay or normal. Under ideal conditions, your upper teeth should slightly overlap your lower teeth. And if it’s the other way around, it becomes a dental issue.
In a way, mild overbites are okay. But crossbites in any form aren’t ideal.
Learn More: Overbite vs Overjet: Key Differences And Treatment Options
What Are The Different Types Of Crossbites?
There are six types of crossbites:
- Anterior crossbites
- Posterior crossbites
- Single-tooth crossbites
- Segmental crossbites
- Bilateral crossbites
- Unilateral crossbites
Let’s look at these in detail.
1. Anterior Crossbites
Anterior crossbite occurs when the upper front teeth are positioned behind the lower front teeth when the mouth is at rest or closed. When all the front teeth in the upper jaw is situated behind the lower set of teeth, it is also called an underbite.
2. Posterior Crossbites
Posterior crossbites occur when the back teeth in the upper jaw are misaligned with those in the lower jaw.
These types of crossbites are also referred to as lingual posterior crossbites when the upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth. Similarly, it will be referred to as a buccal posterior crossbite (or scissor bite) if the upper teeth sit in front of the opposing lower teeth.
3. Single-Tooth Crossbites
Crossbites can also be categorized by the number of misaligned teeth. A single-tooth crossbite is one in which only one tooth is involved. These crossbites can occur anywhere, whether in the front or the back.
4. Segmental Crossbites
Segmental crossbites affect more than one tooth. The impacted teeth may be in the front or the back. A segmental crossbite can be further classified as buccal or lingual, depending on the location and alignment.
5. Bilateral Crossbites
It refers to a situation in which both sides are impacted. A bilateral crossbite generally results from a narrow upper jaw.
6. Unilateral Crossbites
As the name suggests, it is when only one side of the mouth is impacted. This can happen on either side of the mouth. This can result in facial asymmetry.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Crossbite?
The symptoms of a crossbite entail jaw pain, tooth decay, sleep apnoea, speech issues, and so on. It isn’t just a cosmetic issue but a dental issue that can affect your overall health.
Crossbites are pretty common. According to an NLM (National Library of Medicine) study, among 633 patients:
- 29.9% had at least 1 crossbite tooth
- 66.1% had anterior crossbites
- 19.6% had posterior crossbites
The symptoms of a crossbite include:
- Teeth or jaw pain
- Tooth decay
- TMJ disorders (condition affecting jaw joints that help the jaws move)
- Headache
- Speech problems
- Neck or shoulder pain
Noticing any of these symptoms? Book Toothsi's FREE Home Scan Now!
What Causes Crossbites?
There are various causes of crossbites, such as situational factors and genetics. These can also be categorized into skeletal, dental, and circumstantial causes.
Genetic Causes
Dental and skeletal causes may be genetic. This means that if your parents or siblings (or anyone else in your family) ever had a crossbite, there’s a high possibility that you’ll develop the condition, too.
Situational Causes
There can be situational factors that cause crossbites. For instance, if your baby teeth don’t fall out on time (during the primary years) or there’s a delay in the eruption of your adult teeth, your jaw can align your teeth in a way that causes a crossbite.
Along with that, habits like thumb sucking (into late childhood) and mouth breathing can also contribute to the development of crossbite.
How Can You Fix A Crossbite?
Crossbites are generally fixed using surgical and orthodontic treatments.
Orthodontic Treatment Options
There is a wide variety of orthodontic devices that can help fix crossbites.
Clear Aligners And Braces
Aligners For Teeth address mild to severe, extremely complex crossbites in children, teens, and adults. Clear aligner therapy can help align teeth properly by applying gentle pressure over time. This can resolve crossbites by repositioning teeth into their appropriate positions.
Read More: 85-92% Satisfaction Level Achieved For Crossbite Treatment Using Clear Aligners
Palatal Expander
For children, this orthodontic device is primarily used. This is placed on the roof of the mouth and periodically activated to widen the jaw and palate. A palatal expander works best when the teeth and jaw are still in the growing phase.
Habit Appliances
These orthodontic devices work best for patients with poor oral habits. For instance, if someone has a bad habit of sucking their thumb, this device can restrict the fingers from reaching the upper front teeth or the roof of the mouth.
Surgical Procedure
Mostly for adults, surgical procedures are prescribed. This is important when one has skeletal crossbites, meaning their lower and upper jaws didn’t develop properly.
The procedure may include upper jaw surgery or surgical expander devices. In these, the upper jaw is realigned using surgical processes.
How Much Does Crossbite Correction Typically Cost In Major Indian Cities?
Crossbite teeth correction costs in major Indian cities vary on the treatment process and the severity of the orthodontic issues.
Invisible Aligners (Clear Aligner Therapy) Or Braces
For dental crossbites, the costs can range from ₹35,000 to ₹70,000. Now, if we further categorize it, it comes under two treatment options:
- Traditional Braces: These roughly cost somewhere between ₹25,000 and ₹60,000. It all depends on the type and duration of the brace.
- Clear Aligners: The cost of teeth aligners can differ between ₹50,000 and ₹250,000. This cost varies depending upon the number of aligners needed and the complexity of the crossbite.
You can check out Toothsi’s pricing here!
Surgical Treatment
If the crossbites are skeletal, surgery might be needed. Crossbite correction through jaw alignment can cost more than orthodontic treatment. Jaw surgeries can cost between ₹65,000 and ₹400,000, depending on the surgery's nature and complexity.
Can You Fix A Crossbite Naturally?
While it’s tempting to discuss whether crossbites can be fixed naturally, there’s no clinical evidence that they can be. Mild misalignments in children can indeed be corrected using exercises; a complete fix is only possible through orthodontic treatment.
Are you thinking about ways to correct your crossbite without causing discomfort? Book Toothsi’s FREE Scan today and wear the smile that suits you.
