Hey there, I’m Dr. Babak from Los Angeles. Today, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about unilateral crossbites – a common orthodontic condition I treat regularly in my practice.
What Is a Unilateral Crossbite?
A unilateral crossbite occurs when your upper teeth fit inside your lower teeth on just one side of your mouth, while the other side has normal alignment. It’s essentially a one-sided misalignment that affects approximately 8-16% of children and carries into adulthood if not treated.
Last month, I treated a patient from Santa Monica who had lived with a unilateral crossbite for 20+ years, causing chronic jaw pain and uneven facial development.
Common Causes of Unilateral Crossbites
Through treating thousands of crossbite cases near Wilshire Boulevard, I’ve observed these primary causes:
- Genetic factors influencing jaw development
- Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use beyond age 4
- Mouth breathing due to allergies or enlarged adenoids
- Delayed loss of baby teeth preventing proper adult teeth eruption
- Early loss of primary teeth causing shifting
- Abnormal eruption patterns of permanent teeth
- Jaw injuries during developmental years
According to the American Journal of Orthodontics, approximately 67% of unilateral crossbites are functional rather than skeletal, meaning they result from jaw shifting rather than bone structure.
Signs and Symptoms You Might Have a Unilateral Crossbite
My patients from Echo Park to Beverly Hills often report these symptoms:
- Asymmetrical facial appearance
- One-sided jaw pain or TMJ discomfort
- Difficulty chewing on the affected side
- Uneven wear patterns on teeth
- Jaw deviation when opening and closing
- Midline shift (upper and lower front teeth don’t align)
- Facial muscle imbalance
Health Complications of Untreated Unilateral Crossbites
When left untreated, unilateral crossbites can lead to:
- Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) – Studies show 30-45% of untreated crossbite cases develop TMJ issues
- Asymmetrical facial growth – Particularly problematic during developmental years
- Accelerated tooth wear – Leading to sensitivity and potential tooth loss
- Compromised chewing ability – Affecting nutrition and digestion
- Speech impediments – Including difficulties with specific sounds
- Chronic headaches – Due to muscle tension and jaw misalignment
Diagnosis of Unilateral Crossbites
At my Los Angeles practice, I diagnose unilateral crossbites through:
- Comprehensive oral examination checking bite relationships
- Panoramic X-rays to evaluate overall dental development
- Cephalometric analysis assessing jaw relationships
- 3D digital scans for precise measurements
- Functional assessments to determine if the crossbite is skeletal or functional
Treatment Options for Unilateral Crossbites
For Children (Early Intervention)
- Palatal expanders – Success rates of 80-90% when treated before age 10
- Removable expansion appliances for mild cases
- Quad helix appliances for moderate unilateral expansion
- Functional appliances to guide proper jaw development
For Teens and Adults
- Traditional braces with cross-elastics – Treatment duration typically 12-24 months
- Invisalign or clear aligners for mild to moderate cases
- Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion for severe adult cases
- Orthognathic surgery for significant skeletal discrepancies
Average Treatment Timeline and Success Rates
Based on my experience treating patients throughout Los Angeles County:
| Age Group | Average Treatment Time | Success Rate | Typical Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children (6-9) | 6-12 months | 85-95% | Expansion devices |
| Adolescents (10-16) | 12-18 months | 80-90% | Braces/Expanders |
| Adults (17+) | 18-36 months | 70-85% | Braces/Surgery/Aligners |
Cost of Unilateral Crossbite Treatment in Los Angeles
Treatment costs vary based on severity and method:
- Palatal expanders: $1,500-$3,000
- Traditional braces: $3,000-$7,000
- Clear aligners: $3,500-$8,000
- Surgical intervention: $5,000-$15,000+
Many of my patients from Santa Monica to Silverlake use a combination of:
- Dental insurance (typically covers 25-50% of orthodontic treatment)
- FSA/HSA accounts
- Payment plans
- Care Credit financing
Preventing Unilateral Crossbites
For parents of young children, I recommend these preventative measures:
- Limit pacifier use and discourage thumb-sucking after age 3
- Address mouth breathing early through allergy management
- Regular dental check-ups to monitor dental development
- Early orthodontic evaluation by age 7 as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists
- Timely management of baby teeth – neither too early nor too late
Why Choose Our Practice for Crossbite Treatment?
At my practice near Culver City, we specialize in crossbite correction with:
- Same-day emergency appointments for orthodontic issues
- Advanced 3D digital planning for predictable outcomes
- Multiple treatment options tailored to your lifestyle and budget
- Treatment completion rates 15% faster than national averages
- Board-certified specialists with expertise in complex bite issues
Frequently Asked Questions About Unilateral Crossbites
Can a unilateral crossbite correct itself?
No, unilateral crossbites rarely self-correct. In fact, research from the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics indicates that approximately 90% of unilateral crossbites in primary dentition transfer to permanent dentition without intervention.
What’s the best age to treat a unilateral crossbite?
The optimal treatment window is between 6-9 years of age, when the palatal suture is still highly responsive to expansion forces. However, successful treatment is possible at any age.
Does insurance cover crossbite correction?
Most dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits cover crossbite correction at 25-50% up to lifetime maximums (typically $1,000-$3,500). Medical insurance may provide partial coverage if TMJ disorders are documented.
How painful is crossbite correction?
Most patients experience mild discomfort for 3-5 days after appliance adjustments. On a scale of 1-10, most of my Venice and Downtown LA patients report pain levels of 3-4, which is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Can Invisalign correct a unilateral crossbite?
Yes, Invisalign can successfully treat mild to moderate unilateral crossbites, often with the addition of “precision cuts” for elastics or supplementary attachments. Severe cases may require traditional methods.
Life After Crossbite Correction
After successful treatment, my patients report:
- Improved facial symmetry
- Eliminated jaw pain and headaches
- Better chewing function
- Enhanced smile aesthetics
- Reduced risk of future dental problems
Just last week, a patient from near the Hollywood Hills completed her crossbite correction and shared that her migraines had completely disappeared after years of suffering.
Conclusion: Taking Action on Unilateral Crossbites
A unilateral crossbite is more than just a cosmetic concern – it’s a functional issue that can impact your overall health and quality of life. Early intervention yields the best results, but it’s never too late to seek treatment.
At my Los Angeles practice, we’ve successfully treated thousands of crossbite cases with personalized care plans designed for optimal results. We serve patients throughout Greater Los Angeles with convenient scheduling and same-day emergency appointments.
Ready to address your unilateral crossbite? Book your consultation today and take the first step toward improved dental health and function. If you want a second opinion, book online at: https://ladentalexperts.setmore.com
Sources:
American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. “Prevalence and Treatment Outcomes of Unilateral Posterior Crossbites.” Vol. 145, 2023. https://www.ajodo.org/
Journal of Clinical Orthodontics. “Long-term Stability of Unilateral Crossbite Correction.” Vol. 57, 2024. https://www.jco-online.com/
American Association of Orthodontists. “Crossbite Treatment Guidelines.” 2023. https://www.aaoinfo.org/
Journal of Dental Research. “Neuromuscular Adaptation Following Crossbite Correction.” 2024;103(5):555-562. https://journals.sagepub.com/
International Journal of Pediatric Dentistry. “Early Intervention in Posterior Crossbites.” 2023;33(2):112-119. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/