Crossbite Treatment in Palm Beach Gardens

When your bite doesn’t line up, everything else feels off too.

Maybe your dentist mentioned it at your child’s last checkup. Or maybe you’ve noticed that something looks “off” when you or your teen bites down — like some upper teeth are sitting behind the lower ones instead of in front. Either way, you typed “crossbite treatment Palm Beach Gardens” into Google because you want answers, not a lecture.

Here’s the short version: a crossbite is treatable at any age, but earlier is almost always better. And at Murray Orthodontics, we’ve been correcting crossbites for Palm Beach County families since 1991 — with treatment options that actually fit your life and your budget.

One Less Thing to Worry About

You’ve got enough on your plate. Between work, kids’ activities, and everything else demanding your attention, the last thing you need is another source of stress. That’s exactly why we built a practice that takes the worry out of orthodontic care.

From the moment you walk in, you’ll know you made the right call. We check your insurance before your appointment, give you a complete cost breakdown upfront (no surprises), and create a treatment plan that actually makes sense for your family. Our team has been doing this for decades — some staff members have been here 15 to 28 years — and it shows.

When you leave your first visit, you’ll have clarity on exactly what’s going on with your bite, what your options are, and what it will cost. Then you can check “figure out the orthodontist situation” off your list and move on to the hundred other things waiting for your attention.

What You’ll Learn in This Article

• What a crossbite actually is (and the two types you need to know about)
• Why untreated crossbites get worse — not better — over time
• How we fix crossbites at different ages (kids, teens, and adults)
• What causes crossbites in the first place
• Real cost expegtions and payment options
• Signs that you or your child might have a crossbite
• What to expect at your free consultation

Crossbite Treatment at a Glance

What Is a Crossbite, Exactly?

A crossbite happens when your upper and lower teeth don’t line up the way they should when you close your mouth. Normally, your upper teeth should sit slightly outside your lower teeth — like a lid on a box. With a crossbite, one or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead.

There are two main types:

Posterior crossbite is the more common one. It involves the back teeth and usually means the upper jaw is too narrow. You might notice your child’s jaw shifting to one side when they bite down, or that their smile looks slightly asymmetrical.

Anterior crossbite affects the front teeth. One or more upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth. It can look similar to an underbite, though the cause and treatment can be quite different.

Both types need attention. Left alone, a crossbite doesn’t correct itself — it typically gets worse over time.

Why Crossbites Shouldn’t Wait

We get it. “Your child has a crossbite” sounds alarming, but it’s also easy to brush off when everything seems fine on the surface. Here’s why it’s worth addressing sooner rather than later:

Uneven tooth wear. When teeth don’t meet properly, certain teeth absorb more force than they should. Over months and years, that leads to enamel wearing down unevenly — and enamel doesn’t grow back.

Jaw pain and TMJ problems. A misaligned bite forces your jaw muscles to compensate. That compensation can lead to clicking, soreness, headaches, and TMJ issues that affect your daily life.

Gum recession. Teeth under stress from a crossbite can develop gum problems. The gum tissue around those teeth may recede over time, exposing the root and increasing sensitivity.

Asymmetric jaw growth in kids. This is the big one for parents. In growing children, an untreated crossbite can cause the jaw to develop unevenly. What starts as a dental issue can become a skeletal one — and skeletal problems are harder (and more expensive) to fix later.

The good news? When caught early, crossbite correction is usually straightforward and much less involved than waiting and it can also help with airway orthodontics!

Crossbite Correction Options at Murray Orthodontics

There’s no single “crossbite fix” — treatment depends on the type, the severity, and most importantly, the patient’s age. Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Jonathan Murray evaluates each case individually during your free consultation and walks you through exactly what’s going on and what your options are.

Here’s what treatment typically looks like at different ages:

Crossbite Expanders for Kids (Ages 7–10)

This is the ideal window for crossbite treatment, especially for posterior crossbites caused by a narrow upper jaw. At this age, the jaw is still growing and the midpalatal suture hasn’t fused, which means we can guide jaw development rather than just move teeth around.

Palatal expanders are the most common tool here. The expander attaches to the upper back teeth and gradually widens the upper jaw over several weeks. It sounds more dramatic than it is — kids adapt quickly, and the whole expansion phase typically takes just a few months.

After expansion, some children may need a short phase of braces to fine-tune the alignment. Others are good to go and simply need monitoring until their permanent teeth come in.

This is exactly what Murray Orthodontics’ Growth & Development Program is designed for. If your child isn’t ready for treatment yet, we’ll monitor their dental development with free check-ins every 6 to 12 months — so nothing gets missed and you’re never caught off guard.

Crossbite Treatment for Teens

By the teen years, most permanent teeth are in, which opens up the full range of treatment options. Depending on the crossbite, Dr. Murray may recommend:

• Metal braces — Still the gold standard for complex bite correction. Our braces use shape-memory NiTi wires (originally developed by NASA) that move teeth more comfortably with no manual tightening needed.
• Clear braces — Ceramic brackets that work like metal braces but blend in with your teeth. Same effectiveness, less visible.
• Invisalign — For mild to moderate crossbites where the jaw itself doesn’t need expansion, clear aligners can gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. Dr. Murray is a top Invisalign provider with advanced training.
• Elastics (rubber bands) — Often used alongside braces to provide the cross-arch force needed to shift teeth from a crossbite position into proper alignment.

Treatment time for teens typically ranges from 12 to 24 months depending on severity. Adjustments happen every 6 to 8 weeks for braces, or every 8 to 12 weeks for Invisalign.

Crossbite Treatment for Adults

If you’ve been living with a crossbite for years — maybe decades — you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not out of options. About half of Murray Orthodontics’ patients are adults seeking orthodontic treatment, and crossbite correction is one of the most common reasons they come in.

For adults, the jaw has finished growing, so treatment focuses on moving teeth into the right position. Depending on the severity:

• Braces or clear braces handle moderate to severe crossbites effectively
• Invisalign or clear aligners work well for milder cases and are popular with professionals who want a discreet option
• Surgical orthodontics may be recommended for severe skeletal crossbites where the jaw itself needs repositioning. Dr. Murray has specialized training in coordinating orthodontic treatment with oral surgery for these cases.

There’s no age limit on fixing a crossbite. The right treatment plan just looks a little different depending on where you’re starting from.

What Causes a Crossbite?

Most crossbites trace back to one (or a combination) of these causes:

Genetics. If you or your partner had a crossbite, your child has a higher chance of developing one. Jaw size and shape are largely inherited.

Childhood habits. Prolonged thumb-sucking, pacifier use past age 3, low tongue posture, or mouth breathing can affect how the upper jaw develops — sometimes leading to a narrowed palate and posterior crossbite.

Delayed or abnormal tooth eruption. Sometimes adult teeth come in at unexpected angles, crowding neighboring teeth and creating a crossbite that wasn’t there before.

Jaw size mismatch. When the upper jaw is naturally narrower than the lower jaw, teeth don’t have room to sit where they should.

Understanding the cause helps Dr. Murray design the most effective treatment plan — because treating the cause is always better than just treating the symptom.

How Much Does Crossbite Treatment Cost in Palm Beach Gardens?

Crossbite treatment at Murray Orthodontics typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the type of treatment needed. A child who needs a palatal expander and a short phase of braces will be on the lower end. An adult with a severe crossbite requiring comprehensive braces will be closer to the higher end.

Here’s what we do differently from most orthodontists when it comes to cost:

Your free consultation includes a complete financial breakdown. No surprises, no “we’ll figure it out later.” You’ll know exactly what treatment will cost before you commit to anything.

We check your insurance before you even walk in. If you have orthodontic benefits, we’ll verify your coverage ahead of time so you know exactly what your out-of-pocket will be. We accept more Florida insurance plans than average.

Flexible payment plans that actually work. We offer in-office, no-interest payment plans with pick-a-payment options and extended monthly payments. There’s also a pay-in-full discount if you prefer to handle it all upfront.

No one should delay treatment because they’re worried about the bill. That’s why we’ll always find a payment arrangement that fits your family’s budget.

Signs You or Your Child Might Have a Crossbite

Not sure if what you’re seeing is actually a crossbite? Here are common signs to watch for:

In children: jaw shifting to one side when biting, difficulty chewing, one side of the face looking slightly different from the other, complaints of jaw soreness, or teeth that look like they’re in the wrong position compared to the opposing teeth.

In teens and adults: uneven tooth wear (your dentist may have pointed this out), jaw clicking or popping, recurring headaches concentrated around the temples or jaw, grinding or clenching at night, or a bite that just doesn’t feel “right.”

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child see an orthodontist by age 7 — not because they’ll necessarily need treatment that young, but because certain problems like crossbites are much easier to address while the jaw is still growing.

If any of these sound familiar, a quick evaluation can give you clarity. Our consultations are free, thorough, and zero-pressure.

Why Palm Beach County Families Choose Murray Orthodontics

We proudly serve patients from Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach, Jupiter, Wellington, North Palm Beach, Westlake, Greenacres, and throughout Palm Beach County. Here’s why families keep coming back — and referring their friends:

Board-certified expertise. Dr. Murray earned his orthodontic certification from the American Board of Orthodontists — a credential held by a minority of practicing orthodontists. He completed a three-year residency at the University of Florida and has advanced training in complex bite correction, including cases involving special needs patients, high dental anxiety, and surgical coordination.

Award-winning care, year after year. Murray Orthodontics has earned top honors in the Palm Beach County Community Choice Awards multiple times — and consistently places among the best orthodontists in the county. That recognition comes from 270+ five-star Google reviews and families who keep coming back with their second and third kids.

A practice that feels like family, not a factory. You’ll see the same orthodontist at every single visit. Our team includes staff members who’ve been here 15 to 28+ years. Parents tell us their kids actually look forward to appointments — and that the whole family feels comfortable from the first visit.

Two convenient locations. Our Palm Beach Gardens office in The Oaks Center and our Royal Palm Beach office make crossbite treatment easy for families across Palm Beach County.

Making Palm Beach County smile since 1991. Murray Orthodontics is an independently owned, boutique practice — not a corporate chain. We’ve been a trusted part of this community for over three decades, and that kind of stability matters when you’re trusting someone with your family’s smiles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crossbite Treatment

Can a crossbite fix itself?

No. Crossbites don’t self-correct. In children, they tend to get worse as the jaw grows, potentially causing asymmetric development. In adults, untreated crossbites lead to progressive wear, gum problems, and jaw pain. The earlier you address it, the simpler treatment tends to be.

Does fixing a crossbite hurt?

There’s typically some mild pressure when an expander is activated or when braces are first placed — similar to what you’d feel with any orthodontic treatment. Most patients describe it as a “tightness” that fades within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods are usually all that’s needed.

Can Invisalign fix a crossbite?

In many cases, yes — particularly mild to moderate crossbites where the issue is tooth position rather than jaw width. Dr. Murray will let you know during your free consultation whether Invisalign is a good fit for your specific crossbite or whether braces would get you a better result.

How long does crossbite treatment take?

It depends on the approach. Palatal expansion in children typically takes a few months of active expansion, followed by a stabilization period. Comprehensive treatment with braces or Invisalign generally runs 12 to 24 months. Dr. Murray gives you an estimated timeline upfront so there are no surprises.

What happens if I don’t treat a crossbite?

An untreated crossbite can lead to uneven enamel wear, increased risk of cavities in stressed teeth, gum recession, chronic jaw pain, TMJ dysfunction, and — in children — asymmetric facial development. Treatment only gets more complex and costly the longer you wait.

Is my child too young for crossbite treatment?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. For posterior crossbites caused by a narrow upper jaw, ages 7 to 10 is actually the ideal treatment window because the jaw responds much more easily to expansion at this age.

What’s the difference between a crossbite and an underbite?

An underbite is when the entire lower jaw sits forward, causing all the lower front teeth to stick out past the upper teeth. A crossbite is more selective — only certain teeth (front or back) are misaligned, while the rest may bite normally. An anterior crossbite can look similar to an underbite, but the cause and treatment approach are often different. Dr. Murray can tell you exactly which one you’re dealing with during your free consultation.

Your First Visit: What to Expect

If you’re coming in for a crossbite evaluation, here’s what happens at your free consultation:

Dr. Murray will take X-rays and photos to get a complete picture of the bite. He’ll examine the teeth, jaw alignment, and facial symmetry, then sit down with you (or your child) and explain exactly what he sees — in plain language, not orthodontic jargon.

You’ll get a clear treatment recommendation, a realistic timeline, and a complete cost breakdown with insurance and payment options before you leave. There’s absolutely no pressure to start same-day, though if you’re ready, same-day treatment starts are available.

Patients consistently tell us that Dr. Murray explains everything clearly and never makes them feel rushed. That’s by design — we want you to feel completely confident in your decision.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you think you or your child may have a crossbite, the fastest way to know for sure is a quick evaluation with a board-certified orthodontist. At Murray Orthodontics, consultations are always free, thorough, and zero-obligation. We’ll give you straight answers about what’s going on and what your options are.

Murray Orthodontics – Palm Beach Gardens
2517 Burns Rd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
(561) 775-7999

Murray Orthodontics – Royal Palm Beach
685 Royal Palm Beach Blvd #201, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
(561) 795-7707

Schedule Your Free Consultation