What Is a Crossbite and Can Surgery Help?
A crossbite can wear down teeth unevenly and cause jaw problems. Here is how it relates to orthognathic surgery.
A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down. It can affect one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral).
- Types of crossbite:
- Posterior crossbite β back teeth are affected; upper teeth sit inside lower teeth
- Anterior crossbite β front teeth are affected; similar to an underbite but often less severe
- Surgical treatment:
- Upper jaw expansion β the maxilla is widened or repositioned outward through a maxillary osteotomy
- Segmental osteotomy β the upper jaw is divided into segments for a wider correction
- Combined with lower jaw surgery β if both jaws are involved
Signs Your Crossbite May Need Surgery
- Your upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth when you bite
- You have difficulty chewing on one side
- Your teeth are wearing unevenly
- You have TMJ pain or clicking on one side
- Your chin is shifted to one side
- Your face looks asymmetrical
Non-Surgical Alternatives
- Orthodontics β may correct a mild dental crossbite
- Palatal expander β for children whose palates are still growing
- Archwires and elastics β for some adults with mild cases
When to See a Surgeon
If your crossbite is skeletal (caused by the jaw position rather than the teeth), braces alone cannot correct it. An oral surgeon can determine if surgery is needed.
Clinical Guidance
A skeletal crossbite β where the upper jaw is too narrow or positioned incorrectly β can be corrected with orthognathic surgery, typically by widening or repositioning the upper jaw. This improves bite function and facial symmetry.