Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrew Welling and Dr. Rett Cortez, orthodontists at Bailey-Welling Orthodontics
Your dentist might have mentioned a crossbite. Or maybe you noticed it yourself: a tooth that sits in the wrong place, a jaw that shifts slightly when you bite down, some persistent soreness you’ve been chalking up to stress. Either way, you’re here because something doesn’t feel quite right, and you want a straight answer.
Good. Let’s talk about it.
A crossbite is one of the most common bite problems we see at Bailey-Welling Orthodontics and we’re great at crossbite treatment in Bountiful, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood problems. Parents come in worried their child will need surgery. Adults come in convinced they’ve waited too long. Most of the time, neither is true. But crossbites do need to be treated, because they don’t fix themselves, and the window for the easiest correction doesn’t stay open forever.
Here’s what you need to know.
Why Bailey-Welling
What Makes Us Different
There are other orthodontists in Davis County. Here’s why families keep choosing us — and sending their friends.
Orthodontists Only
Dr. Welling and Dr. Cortez are board-trained specialists in orthodontics — not general dentists adding it as a service. That distinction matters for complex bite correction.
Diamond+ Invisalign Provider
This is one of the highest Invisalign provider tiers available, earned through case volume and outcome quality. It means more experience with complex cases, including crossbites.
Braces and Invisalign — Same Price
Most offices charge more for Invisalign. We don’t. Both start around $2,800 so the recommendation you get is always based on what’s best for your case, not what’s more profitable.
Parents Welcome in the Chair
You don’t wait in the lobby while your kid gets checked. Parents are welcome at appointments so you always know what’s happening with your child’s treatment.
Two Davis County Locations
Bountiful on Pages Lane and Farmington on State Street. Both offices — same doctors, same quality. Choose the one that’s closest or most convenient for your schedule.
Text Us Anytime
Questions between appointments don’t have to wait for a callback. Patients and parents can reach us directly by text — something most orthodontic offices still haven’t figured out.
Support Dog On-Site
For kids (and adults) who get nervous at appointments, our office support dog has a way of making the whole experience feel less clinical. It’s a small thing that makes a real difference.
Same-Day Starts
If you come in for a consultation and are ready to start treatment, we can often begin the same day. No second appointment needed just to get going.
What you’ll learn on this page:
- What a crossbite actually is and how to recognize one
- The two main types and why it matters which one you have
- What causes crossbites (and why it usually isn’t your fault)
- What happens if a crossbite goes untreated
- Every treatment option we offer (expanders, braces, and Invisalign) and who each one is right for
- Why kids benefit from early evaluation, and what age that means
- Why adults can absolutely still get this fixed
- What to expect at a free consultation at either of our Davis County offices
Quick Definition
What is a crossbite?
A crossbite is a type of bite misalignment where one or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of in front of them when the mouth is closed. In a normal bite, the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth. With a crossbite, some of those teeth are reversed. It can affect the front teeth (anterior crossbite), the back teeth (posterior crossbite), or both — and it can involve just one tooth or several.
What to know at a glance
- ✓Very common — affects up to 16% of people
- ✓Rarely corrects on its own once teeth are in
- ✓Easiest to treat in growing children (ages 7–12)
- ✓Adults can still be treated without surgery
- ✓Treatment options: expander, braces, Invisalign
- ✓Free consultations available at both BW offices
It can affect just one tooth or a whole group. It can show up in the front of your mouth or in the back. And it can come from the position of the teeth themselves, the shape of your jaw, or both.
That last part matters, because the type and cause of your crossbite determines the right treatment. A single tooth that’s slightly off is a completely different situation from a jaw that’s grown too narrow. That’s exactly why getting evaluated by an orthodontist, not just a general dentist, makes a real difference in what happens next.
The Two Types of Crossbite
Anterior crossbite affects the front teeth. When you bite down, one or more upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth. People sometimes mistake this for an underbite, but they’re different: an underbite involves the whole jaw, while an anterior crossbite can involve just a few teeth.
Posterior crossbite affects the back teeth. The upper back molars sit inside (closer to your tongue) instead of outside the lower molars when you bite. This is the more common type, affecting roughly 16% of people, and it’s also the one most likely to cause the jaw to shift or grow unevenly over time if it’s not addressed.
Both types can affect one side of your mouth (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral). And both are treatable. The approach depends on your age, how severe it is, and what’s causing it.
| Anterior Crossbite | Posterior Crossbite | |
|---|---|---|
| Which teeth | Front teeth (incisors) | Back teeth (molars and premolars) |
| What it looks like | One or more upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth when biting | Upper back teeth sit inside the lower back teeth when biting down |
| Most common cause | Jaw growth discrepancy, crowding, or tooth eruption angle | Narrow upper arch, mouth breathing, or prolonged thumb-sucking |
| Urgency in kids | High Early treatment guides jaw growth before it sets | High Can cause jaw shifting and facial asymmetry if left alone |
Anterior Crossbite
Posterior Crossbite
What Causes a Crossbite?
If your child was just diagnosed with a crossbite, the first thing most parents ask is: Did I do something wrong?
You didn’t. Crossbites are common, and most of the time they’re not anyone’s fault.
The most frequent cause is genetics. If you or your spouse needed an expander when you were younger, there’s a real chance your child will too.
Beyond that, crossbites can develop from prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use past age 3-4, which gradually pushes the upper arch inward. Mouth breathing, often from enlarged adenoids or seasonal allergies, can alter how the jaw grows over time. Delayed baby tooth loss, where primary teeth hang on too long and crowd out the incoming permanent ones, is another common culprit. So is simple jaw size discrepancy, where the upper and lower jaw just don’t grow at the same pace.
For adults, many crossbites simply went undetected or untreated in childhood. The good news: that doesn’t mean the window is closed.
Signs You Might Have a Crossbite
Some crossbites are easy to spot. Others are subtle enough that even parents miss them for years. Here are the signs worth paying attention to:
Your upper and lower midlines don’t line up. The center of your top teeth and the center of your bottom teeth are off. One or more upper teeth visibly lean inward, especially when biting down. You bite the inside of your cheek or lip more than seems normal. Your jaw shifts to one side when you close your mouth. You’ve been dealing with jaw soreness, headaches, or unexplained tooth sensitivity. Your child has a slight facial asymmetry that’s become more noticeable over the past year or two.
That last one catches a lot of parents off guard. An untreated crossbite in a growing child can actually change how the jaw develops. Once the bone matures, correcting that asymmetry gets a lot harder.
Free Self-Assessment
Could You Have a Crossbite?
6 quick questions. Takes about 60 seconds.
Question 1 of 6
When you close your mouth naturally, does your jaw feel like it shifts to one side?
This is one of the most common early signs of a crossbite.
Question 2 of 6
Do any of your upper teeth sit behind your lower teeth when you bite down?
In a normal bite, upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth in front.
Question 3 of 6
Have you or your child experienced jaw pain, headaches, or facial soreness?
Crossbites put uneven pressure on the jaw joint and can cause recurring pain.
Question 4 of 6
Do you notice uneven wear on your teeth, or does your dentist mention it at checkups?
Teeth that don’t meet properly tend to wear down faster on certain surfaces.
Question 5 of 6
How old is the person this assessment is for?
Treatment options differ by age, so this helps us point you in the right direction.
Question 6 of 6
Has a dentist or doctor ever mentioned a bite issue, crossbite, or jaw misalignment?
Even an offhand comment years ago counts here.
This assessment is for informational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. Only a licensed orthodontist can evaluate and diagnose a crossbite. Bailey-Welling Orthodontics offers free consultations at both our Bountiful and Farmington offices.
What Happens If a Crossbite Goes Untreated?
This is the question we get most often, and it deserves a real answer.
Crossbites rarely correct on their own, especially once permanent teeth begin coming in. Waiting is not a neutral decision. The longer a crossbite goes untreated, the more the body adapts around it in ways that can be harder to undo.
Uneven tooth wear. When teeth don’t meet properly, some of them take on stress they weren’t designed to handle. This causes accelerated enamel wear. Enamel doesn’t grow back.
Jaw shifting and facial asymmetry. In children especially, the jaw naturally shifts to compensate for a crossbite. Over months and years, the lower jaw can grow lopsided, affecting the shape of the face. What starts as a bite issue can become a structural one.
TMJ problems. The temporomandibular joint, the hinge where your jaw meets your skull, bears the brunt of any misalignment. Chronic crossbite is a known contributor to TMJ disorder, which can cause jaw pain, clicking, earaches, and persistent headaches.
Gum recession and bone loss. Teeth that are constantly pushed in the wrong direction put abnormal pressure on the surrounding gum and bone tissue. Over time, this can lead to recession that puts teeth at risk.
Increased cavity risk. Crowded or misaligned teeth are harder to clean. Harder to clean means plaque builds up in places your toothbrush can’t reach, and cavities follow.
For kids, the urgency is real. Treating a crossbite while a child is still growing means working with the jaw as it develops, not against a jaw that’s already set. Early correction guides bone formation in the right direction, which is why cases that would require surgery in adulthood can often be resolved with an expander in childhood.
This isn’t meant to alarm you. It’s meant to give you the full picture that most websites skip over. Crossbites are very treatable. But “I’ll wait and see” usually doesn’t end up working in your favor.
Crossbite Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on your age, the type of crossbite, and how severe it is. Here’s what we use at Bailey-Welling Orthodontics and when each one makes sense.
Palatal Expander
For kids and young teens whose jaws are still developing, a palatal expander is often the most effective first step, especially for posterior crossbites caused by a narrow upper arch.
The expander is a small appliance that sits against the roof of the mouth and attaches to the upper back teeth. Over several weeks, it gently widens the upper jaw so that the upper and lower teeth can fit together properly. Because the palatal bone hasn’t fully fused in younger patients, this works with the body’s natural growth rather than against it.
One thing parents often ask about: “Will there be a gap between my child’s front teeth?” Yes, usually, and that’s actually a good sign. It means the expander is working. That gap closes on its own as the teeth naturally come together.
Expansion is one of the most efficient treatments in orthodontics when it’s timed right. The side effects are minimal, and what it accomplishes, correcting the bite and creating room for adult teeth to come in properly, often makes everything else in treatment go faster.
Braces
For many crossbite cases, braces are either the primary treatment or the next step after an expander. They’re effective for both anterior and posterior crossbites and work for patients of all ages.
At Bailey-Welling, we use P21 self-ligating brackets, a passive self-ligating system that holds the archwire using a slide mechanism rather than elastic ties. This allows teeth to move more freely and comfortably, often reducing treatment time compared to traditional bracket systems. No wire tightening appointments, and less friction means less discomfort overall.
For patients who want a less visible option without going full clear aligner, our Iconix esthetic braces use champagne-colored brackets that blend with tooth color. They’re a solid middle ground.
Braces for crossbite correction typically take 18–24 months depending on the case, and are often used alongside elastics to address jaw positioning.
Invisalign for Crossbite
Can Invisalign fix a crossbite? For mild to moderate cases, especially dental crossbites where the issue is tooth position rather than jaw structure, yes. Invisalign works well for adults and older teens who want a discreet option.
Bailey-Welling offers Invisalign for kids, teens, and adults, including Invisalign Teen, which includes built-in compliance indicators and extra aligners for active teenagers. We use the iTero Digital Impression System to create precise 3D digital models of your teeth, with no goopy impressions. This gives us an accurate starting point for planning your aligner treatment.
Most mild to moderate crossbites can be addressed with Invisalign in 6–18 months. Attachments (small tooth-colored dots bonded to your teeth) and rubber bands may be part of the plan to give aligners more leverage for bite correction.
For more complex cases involving jaw structure or severe misalignment, braces or a combination approach typically produces better results.
What About Surgery?
Surgery is the first thing many people worry about when they hear “crossbite.” It’s worth being direct: surgery is rarely needed, and in most cases is completely avoidable, especially if treatment starts at the right time.
For adults with severe skeletal crossbites, where the jaw itself is significantly misaligned and orthodontic treatment alone can’t achieve full correction, orthognathic surgery may be part of the conversation. But this represents a small fraction of crossbite cases. Most adults, even those who weren’t treated as kids, can get excellent results with braces or Invisalign.
This is also exactly why early treatment in children matters. The more jaw development we can guide while the bone is still growing, the less likely surgery ever needs to be on the table.
If you’ve been told by someone that surgery is your only option and you’re not sure, a second opinion from an experienced orthodontist is always worth pursuing.
Treatment Options
Crossbite Treatment at a Glance
Every case is different. This is a general guide — not a substitute for an evaluation.
| Palatal Expander | Braces (P21) Popular | Invisalign Discreet | Combined | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Kids & teens with narrow arch | Moderate to complex, all ages | Mild to moderate, teens & adults | Complex or multi-phase cases |
| Ideal age | 7–14 (jaw still growing) | All ages | Teens & adults | All ages |
| Visibility | Not visible with mouth closed | Visible (tooth-colored option available) | Nearly invisible | Varies by combination |
| Treatment time | 3–6 months (expansion) | 18–24 months | 6–18 months | Varies |
| Removable | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ~ |
| Addresses jaw width | ✓ | ~ With add-on | ~ Limited | ✓ |
| Insurance coverage | ~ Often partial | ~ Often partial | ~ Often partial | ~ Often partial |
| Starting cost at BW | ~$1,000–$3,000 | Both start around $2,800 — same price | Varies | |
Palatal Expander
Kids & TeensBraces (P21)
Most VersatileInvisalign
Most DiscreetBraces and Invisalign are priced the same at Bailey-Welling Orthodontics — your choice is based on what works best for your case and lifestyle, not cost.
Every case is different. Treatment recommendations are always based on a full clinical evaluation, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Crossbite in Davis County Kids: When to Act
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That’s not because most 7-year-olds need treatment. They don’t. It’s because at that age, an orthodontist can identify issues while there’s still time to step in effectively.
Crossbite is one of the bite problems where early intervention consistently produces better outcomes. A child’s jaw is actively growing until their mid-teens, and that growth is an advantage. Widening a narrow palate at age 8 takes a few months. Trying to achieve the same correction at age 15 takes longer and is more involved. Waiting until adulthood may mean surgery is on the table when it wouldn’t have been otherwise.
If your child’s dentist has flagged a crossbite, or if you’ve noticed teeth that don’t seem to line up when they bite, the right move is to get an orthodontic evaluation sooner rather than later. The evaluation is free, and you’ll leave knowing exactly what you’re dealing with, even if the answer is “watch and wait for now.”
Bailey-Welling’s 7 & Up Kids Club is designed exactly for this. We monitor kids starting at age 7 so we can catch developing issues early and time any treatment to get the best possible result. You can also learn more about our full orthodontic care for kids to see what early treatment looks like at our practice.
Crossbite Treatment for Adults: It’s Not Too Late
One of the most common things we hear from adult patients: “I should have gotten this fixed years ago. Is it even worth it now?”
Yes. Completely.
Adults can absolutely achieve full crossbite correction, and many do. The process is a little different than in children. We’re working with mature bone rather than an actively growing jaw, but the results are real and lasting. Most adult crossbites respond well to braces or Invisalign, sometimes combined with elastics to adjust jaw positioning.
The reasons adults seek treatment vary. Some have dealt with jaw soreness or headaches for years without connecting it to their bite. Some have always been self-conscious about the way their teeth look. Some are just tired of being told by every dentist to “come back if it gets worse.” Whatever brought you here, you’re not too old, and you haven’t missed your chance.
Davis County adults have been trusting Bailey-Welling with their smiles since 1971. We treat adults regularly, and we understand the practical concerns that come with adult treatment, including how to fit appointments into a full schedule, what discreet options look like, and how to make the financial side work.
What to Expect at Your Free Consultation
We know coming in for the first time can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not sure what you’re dealing with or what you’re signing up for. If you want the full rundown of what a first visit at Bailey-Welling looks like, we’ve got that covered too. For crossbite consultations specifically, here’s what happens.
You’ll be welcomed by our front desk team. Patients tell us the warmth here is one of the first things they notice. From there, we take X-rays and photos so we can actually see what’s going on with your teeth and bite. Dr. Welling or Dr. Cortez does a thorough hands-on exam and reviews the imaging with you directly. You get a clear explanation of what we’re seeing: what type of crossbite, what’s causing it, what treatment looks like, and a realistic timeline. Then we walk through the financial side completely: what your insurance covers, what payment plan options are available, what your out-of-pocket looks like. No pressure. No vague estimates. You leave knowing the full picture.
We also offer a virtual exam option if you’d prefer to start from home before coming in. Share a few photos of your teeth and get a preliminary sense of what we’d recommend before setting foot in the office.
Meet Your Orthodontists
The Doctors Behind Your Care
Orthodontists only — not general dentists offering orthodontics on the side.
Dr. Andrew Welling
DDS, MS Orthodontics
- DDS, University of Iowa College of Dentistry — clinical excellence & leadership awards
- Orthodontic Certificate + Master’s Degree in Orthodontics, University of Iowa
- BYU — Summa Cum Laude, 4.0 GPA
- Born and raised in Bountiful, Utah — still lives here with his family
Dr. Welling grew up right here in Davis County, which makes treating local families personal for him. He completed advanced training in Invisalign, digital orthodontics, and smile esthetics and brings that expertise to every case — including complex crossbites in children and adults.
Meet Dr. Welling →
Dr. Rett Cortez
Dental Degree & Orthodontic Residency
- Dental Degree, University of Utah
- Orthodontic Residency, Loma Linda University
- Focused on the long-term impact of smile transformation
- Known for building lasting relationships with patients and families
Dr. Cortez believes a confident smile changes more than just how you look — it changes how you feel going through your day. He brings that perspective to every consultation and every treatment plan, making sure patients feel heard and informed at every step.
Meet Dr. Cortez →Want to see what crossbite correction actually looks like? Our before and after gallery shows real patient results from actual cases we’ve treated. Here’s what some of those patients and referring providers had to say:
Patient Reviews
What Davis County Families Are Saying
“We love working with Dr. Andrew Welling! They always treat our mutual patients so well. They are very knowledgeable and precise in their work. The results they accomplish are simply fantastic. If you’re looking for an orthodontist’s office, this is a very good choice. They’ll take good care of you.”
“My two older boys are patients at Bailey-Welling and my younger two will also be when they’re ready. Both of the orthodontists are so nice and easy to talk to. They always remember us and our conversations pick up right where they left off. My boys’ teeth are looking so great — I can’t wait to see how they look once their braces are off.”
“You can’t go wrong here. My teeth were overcrowded and my bite was very misaligned. Every member of the team was extremely warm and friendly. The pros and cons of braces vs. Invisalign were clearly explained. My treatment actually finished faster than estimated. Whenever I had to make a choice about my care, I never felt pushed one way or the other.”
Common Questions
Crossbite FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
How much does crossbite treatment cost in Utah? +
Can a crossbite fix itself? +
What happens if a crossbite goes untreated? +
Can adults get a crossbite fixed without surgery? +
Do I need braces for a crossbite, or can Invisalign work? +
Crossbite treatment — is it painful? +
My child is 7. Isn’t that too young for treatment? +
How long does crossbite treatment take? +
Will my insurance cover crossbite treatment? +
What’s the difference between a crossbite and an underbite? +
Is a crossbite genetic? +
Still have questions? The free consultation is the fastest way to get answers specific to your situation.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationSchedule Your Free Crossbite Consultation in Bountiful or Farmington
You’ve spent time on this page because someone you care about, or maybe you yourself, has a crossbite and you want to know what to do next. The answer is a free consultation where we can actually look at the teeth and give you a real picture of what’s going on.
No commitment. No pressure. Just answers.
Bailey-Welling Orthodontics has been caring for Davis County families since 1971. With over 530 combined five-star Google reviews from families across Bountiful, Farmington, Centerville, Kaysville, and Layton. We’ve built our reputation one patient at a time, and we’re not going to start cutting corners now.
Two Locations
Find Us
Serving Bountiful, Farmington, and all of Davis County since 1971.
Bountiful Office
Bailey-Welling Orthodontics
- 59 W Pages Ln #100, Bountiful, UT 84010
- Easy access from I-15. Families from Centerville, Woods Cross, and North Salt Lake are typically 10 minutes away or less.
Office Hours
Farmington Office
Bailey-Welling Orthodontics
- 122 E State St, Farmington, UT 84025
- Right on State Street. Just minutes from Kaysville, Fruit Heights, and Layton.
Office Hours
Serving Bountiful, Farmington, Centerville, Kaysville, Layton, Syracuse, North Salt Lake, Woods Cross, West Bountiful, Fruit Heights, and surrounding Davis County communities.