If your child’s top and bottom teeth don’t meet correctly when they bite down, a crossbite may be the cause. At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our specialty-trained orthodontists have been correcting crossbites for generations of Richmond families.
With four orthodontic locations across the metro area, including Short Pump, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, and Patterson Avenue, we make it easy to get expert care close to home. Crossbite correction is one of the most important orthodontic treatments we provide, because catching and treating it early protects your child’s teeth, jaw, and long-term oral health.
What Is a Crossbite?
A crossbite is a misalignment where one or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed, instead of resting slightly outside them as they should. Crossbites can affect a single tooth or multiple teeth, and they fall into two main categories.
Anterior crossbite
An anterior crossbite involves the front teeth, where one or more upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth when biting down. This is sometimes confused with an underbite, but the two conditions are not the same. An anterior crossbite typically affects only a few teeth, while a true underbite involves the entire lower jaw sitting forward of the upper jaw.
Posterior crossbite
A posterior crossbite involves the back teeth, where the upper molars or premolars bite inside the lower ones on one or both sides of the mouth. Posterior crossbites are often caused by a narrow upper jaw and frequently lead to a noticeable shift of the lower jaw when biting down.
Both types can develop in baby teeth, mixed dentition, or adult teeth, and both benefit from early evaluation by an orthodontist.
Signs Your Child May Have a Crossbite
Crossbites are not always obvious, and many parents do not notice the issue until a dental checkup or orthodontic evaluation. Common signs to watch for include:
Is this your child?
Check any signs you have noticed. Three or more often points to a developing crossbite worth evaluating.
- Teeth that appear to slot inside the opposite arch when smiling
- Jaw shifts to one side when closing the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or biting into food
- Asymmetrical facial appearance
- Speech challenges with certain sounds
- Excessive wear on specific teeth
- Frequent cheek or tongue biting
- Mouth breathing or snoring at night
Worth a free evaluation
Three or more checked signs is a strong reason to book a consultation. Early evaluation often catches crossbites at the easiest age to treat.
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an evaluation with one of our orthodontists. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic visit by age seven, which is the ideal age to identify and plan treatment for a developing crossbite.
What can happen if a crossbite goes untreated
The longer a crossbite is left alone, the more it compounds. Here is what our orthodontists see in patients who waited.
Uneven tooth wear
Specific teeth absorb force they were not designed for, leading to chips, cracks, and accelerated enamel loss.
Asymmetric jaw growth
In children, the jaw can grow in a shifted position. Once growth completes, surgery may be the only fix.
TMJ pain and headaches
Many adults with chronic jaw pain, clicking, and headaches trace the issue back to an untreated childhood crossbite.
Gum recession and tooth loss
Teeth in crossbite often develop gum recession on one side, exposing roots and increasing the risk of decay.
Speech difficulty
Anterior crossbites can interfere with how the tongue forms certain sounds during speech development.
Chewing problems
A misaligned bite makes it harder to chew food efficiently, which can affect nutrition and digestion over time.
Crossbite treatment options at a glance
A side-by-side look at the most common approaches. Your orthodontist will recommend the right fit based on your child’s specific case.
Palatal expander
Phase 1 treatment
Traditional braces
Clear aligners
Removable appliance
Adult treatment
When Should Crossbite Treatment Begin?
Timing matters with crossbites. Here is what families across the Richmond area should know about the right age for evaluation and crossbite correction in Richmond.
Age 7: the recommended age for a first orthodontic evaluation
By this age, your child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which gives our orthodontists enough information to identify a developing crossbite and plan treatment if needed.
Ages 7 to 10: when treatment often works best
During these years, the upper jaw is still growing and responds well to expanders and other interceptive appliances. Treating a crossbite during this window often takes less time and produces more stable results than waiting until adolescence.
Treatment is still possible later
If your teen or adult has an untreated crossbite, correction is absolutely still an option. Treatment may take longer or involve different techniques, but our orthodontists have successfully corrected crossbites in patients of all ages.
Some crossbites need immediate attention
If your child shows a clear jaw shift when biting down, do not wait. Early correction prevents permanent asymmetric jaw growth. To understand how treatment is sequenced from first evaluation through retention, see our overview on the stages of orthodontic treatment for children.
What to Expect at Your Crossbite Consultation
Your first visit with one of our orthodontists is a free consultation. Here is what happens during that appointment.
Comprehensive evaluation
Your orthodontist examines teeth, jaws, and bite using modern digital imaging.
Diagnosis in plain language
We walk you through what we see and what your options are. No jargon, no pressure.
Custom treatment plan
If treatment is needed, we map out the approach, timing, and pricing. If not, we tell you when to come back.
Financial information
Insurance verification, payment plans, and any financing that may help your family.
No obligation. About 45 minutes start to finish.
Our Richmond Orthodontic Team
Crossbite correction requires precise diagnosis and careful treatment planning. The orthodontic team at Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics brings decades of combined experience to every case.
Dr. Kevin Bibona, Orthodontist. Specialty-trained at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Dr. Bibona has treated hundreds of crossbite cases across the Richmond metro area.
Dr. Payton Cook, Orthodontist. Dr. Cook brings advanced training in modern orthodontic techniques and a passion for working with families.
Both orthodontists work side by side with our pediatric dentists, which means your child’s complete oral health is coordinated under one roof. This bi-specialty model is rare in the Richmond area, and it makes a real difference for families managing complex cases or planning treatment timing around your child’s overall dental development.
Visit Meet Our Orthodontists to learn more about each member of our team.
Richmond-Area Locations Offering Crossbite Treatment
We treat crossbites at four orthodontic locations across the Greater Richmond area. Choose the office most convenient for your family.
Short Pump
Pediatric + Ortho12270 W Broad St
Richmond, VA 23233
Serving Henrico County, Short Pump Town Center, Glen Allen, and the I-64/I-295 corridor.
Office Hours
Mechanicsville
Pediatric + Ortho7521 Right Flank Rd #110
Mechanicsville, VA 23116
Serving Hanover County and eastern Henrico, off I-295.
Office Hours
Midlothian
Pediatric + Ortho13901 Coalfield Commons Pl, Suite 101
Midlothian, VA 23114
Serving Chesterfield County, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Woodlake.
For families closer to this office: crossbite correction in Midlothian, orthodontist in Midlothian, and airway orthodontics in Midlothian.
Office Hours
Patterson Avenue
Orthodontics Only8503 Patterson Ave
Richmond, VA 23229
Serving the West End of Richmond, Tuckahoe, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Office Hours
How Much Does Crossbite Correction Cost in Richmond?
Crossbite treatment costs vary based on the type and severity of the crossbite, the appliances used, and the length of treatment. As a general guide for the Richmond area:
As a standalone treatment for posterior crossbites in growing children.
Includes crossbite correction along with other developing bite issues.
Braces or aligners that address a crossbite plus full alignment.
Making it affordable
- Flexible in-house payment plans with no interest
- Most major dental insurance accepted
- Benefits verified before treatment begins
- Detailed cost breakdown at your free consultation
Pricing ranges reflect typical fees in the Greater Richmond area. Your actual cost depends on case complexity, insurance benefits, and the treatment plan you choose.
We provide a detailed cost breakdown at your free consultation, including any insurance coverage that applies. Most dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits cover a portion of crossbite treatment when it is medically necessary, and we work with most major insurance providers.
For more on orthodontic pricing in the Richmond area, see our complete guide on how much braces cost in Richmond, VA.
We also offer flexible in-house payment plans that spread the cost over the duration of treatment, with no interest. Our team works with every family to make the financial side as straightforward as the clinical side.
Why Richmond Families Choose RPDO for Crossbite Correction
For more than a century, Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has been a trusted name in family dental care across the metro area. Here is what sets us apart for crossbite correction.
Bi-specialty care under one roof
Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics work together at every visit. Your child’s regular dental care and orthodontic treatment are coordinated by the same team, which is uncommon in the Richmond market.
More than 100 years in Richmond
Our practice was founded in 1919. Generations of Richmond families have grown up with us, and many of our adult patients now bring their own children.
Specialty-trained orthodontists
Every orthodontist on our team completed advanced training beyond dental school and continues to invest in education on the latest crossbite treatment techniques.
Modern technology
Digital imaging, 3D scanning, and the latest expanders, braces, and aligners. We invest in tools that make treatment faster, more comfortable, and more precise.
Recognized in the community
Award-winning practice featured by Richmond Times-Dispatch, Style Weekly Magazine, Virginia Living Magazine, and Richmond Magazine.
A welcoming environment for kids
Crossbite treatment can take months or years, so the experience matters. Our offices are built for kids, with friendly staff, fun touches, and a layout designed to keep visits stress-free.
Other Bite and Orthodontic Issues We Treat in Richmond
Crossbite is one of several bite issues our orthodontists correct at our Richmond-area offices. If your child has more than one concern, or if you are not sure exactly what is going on with their bite, our team can evaluate everything in a single consultation. Related conditions and treatments include:
Overjet treatment
For protruding upper front teeth that sit too far forward of the lower teeth.
Open bite treatment
When upper and lower teeth do not meet at the front, even when the mouth is closed.
Airway orthodontics
For breathing-related bite and jaw concerns including mouth breathing and snoring.
Orthodontics for all ages
Treatment options for kids, teens, and adults at every life stage.
Crossbite Correction FAQs
Can a crossbite correct itself?
No. Crossbites do not correct themselves and tend to worsen over time without treatment. Even mild crossbites in baby teeth typically continue into the permanent dentition and can cause progressive damage to teeth, gums, and jaw alignment. The earlier a crossbite is identified and treated, the better the long-term outcome.
Is crossbite correction painful?
Most patients experience only mild soreness during the first few days of treatment, particularly when an expander is being adjusted or new aligners are placed. The discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and resolves quickly. Modern orthodontic appliances are far more comfortable than the equipment used even ten years ago.
How long does crossbite treatment take?
Treatment time depends on the type of crossbite and the chosen approach. Palatal expanders typically work in three to six months, though the appliance often stays in place longer to stabilize results. Comprehensive treatment with braces or aligners usually takes between 12 and 24 months. Your orthodontist will give you a personalized estimate at your consultation.
Can crossbites be fixed with Invisalign?
Many crossbites can be corrected with Invisalign or Spark Clear Aligners, particularly mild to moderate cases in older children, teens, and adults. Severe crossbites or cases involving significant jaw expansion may still require traditional braces or appliances. Our orthodontists determine which approach fits your specific case during the consultation.
Will my child need surgery for a crossbite?
Surgery is rarely needed for crossbite correction in children. When treatment begins early, orthodontic appliances alone are almost always enough. Surgery becomes a possibility only in adult patients with severe skeletal jaw discrepancies that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone. This is one of the strongest arguments for early evaluation.
Does insurance cover crossbite correction?
Most dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits cover a portion of crossbite treatment, especially when documented as medically necessary. Coverage amounts vary widely between plans. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and explains exactly what your out-of-pocket cost will be.
What is the difference between an underbite and an anterior crossbite?
An anterior crossbite involves only one or a few upper front teeth sitting behind the lower front teeth, often because of how those individual teeth erupted. A true underbite is a skeletal problem where the entire lower jaw sits forward of the upper jaw. Treatment for an anterior crossbite is usually simpler and shorter than treatment for a true skeletal underbite. Our orthodontists distinguish between the two during your evaluation.
Can adults still get crossbites corrected?
Yes. Adults of any age can have crossbites corrected. Treatment may take a bit longer than in growing children, and skeletal expansion is more limited, but modern orthodontic techniques make adult crossbite correction routine. Many of our adult patients in Richmond have been pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and discreet treatment can be.
Schedule Your Free Crossbite Consultation in Richmond
Catching a crossbite early is one of the most valuable things you can do for your child’s long-term oral health. At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we make the first step easy. Your initial consultation is always free, with no obligation to begin treatment.
Families come to us from Short Pump, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, the Patterson Avenue area, and across the Greater Richmond metro. Our team is ready to help your child build a healthier, more comfortable bite that lasts a lifetime.
Catch your child’s crossbite at the easiest age to treat.
Specialty-trained orthodontists. Four Richmond-area locations. No-obligation evaluations for children, teens, and adults.
