Crossbite Treatment in Sydney: Options, Costs and What to Expect

Crossbite treatment is one of the most time-sensitive orthodontic decisions a patient can face. Unlike crowding or spacing, a crossbite can cause lasting jaw asymmetry and joint problems if left untreated — and the ease of correction changes significantly depending on age. Crossbite treatment in Australia is widely available and effective, but the right approach depends on understanding what type of crossbite you have and when it was identified.

At Orthoworx, Dr Eugene Chan treats both children and adults with crossbites at the Zetland and Chatswood clinics. This guide explains what crossbite treatment involves, what your options are, and what the real costs look like in 2026.

What Is a Crossbite?

A crossbite is a misalignment where the upper teeth sit inside (rather than outside) the lower teeth when the jaw closes. This can affect a single tooth or multiple teeth, and it can occur at the front (anterior crossbite) or the back (posterior crossbite) of the mouth. Crossbite treatment is necessary because unlike most other dental misalignments, crossbites often worsen over time and can cause jaw shifting, asymmetrical bone growth, and joint problems if not addressed.

Anterior vs Posterior Crossbite: What Is the Difference?

Before beginning crossbite treatment, your orthodontist will classify your crossbite by location:

• Anterior crossbite: One or more upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth when biting. Often called an underbite when multiple front teeth are involved. Can be dental (tooth position) or skeletal (jaw discrepancy).
• Posterior crossbite: Upper back teeth (premolars or molars) sit inside the lower back teeth. Often the upper arch is too narrow relative to the lower. Palate expanders are frequently used in children.
• Bilateral vs unilateral: A bilateral crossbite affects both sides of the mouth; unilateral affects one side and often causes the jaw to shift sideways when closing.

Understanding this distinction is essential because crossbite treatment differs significantly between anterior and posterior presentations, and between dental and skeletal causes.

What Causes a Crossbite?

Crossbites are caused by a combination of genetic and developmental factors:

• Genetic narrow palate or jaw width discrepancy
• Delayed or early loss of baby teeth causing permanent teeth to erupt in incorrect positions
• Prolonged dummy, thumb-sucking, or mouth breathing habits in childhood
• Abnormal tooth eruption patterns

Signs You May Have a Crossbite

Crossbite treatment is often prompted by a patient or parent noticing:

• One side of your upper teeth appears to bite inside the lower teeth
• Your jaw feels like it has to shift to one side to close comfortably
• One side of your face appears more developed than the other (facial asymmetry)
• Unusual tooth wear on certain teeth
• Jaw pain or TMJ clicking that is worse on one side
• An upper front tooth that sits behind the lower teeth

Crossbite Treatment Options by Age

The most effective crossbite treatment depends significantly on the patient’s age:

Age Group	Best Crossbite Treatment	Key Advantage
Children (6–12)	Palate expander (RPE or removable)	Jaw still growing — non-surgical expansion possible
Teens (12–18)	Braces with expander, or Invisalign	Growth window closing — act promptly
Adults (18+)	Braces, Invisalign, or SARPE/surgery	Dental crossbites fully correctable; skeletal may need surgery

The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends early assessment at age 7–8 specifically because conditions like posterior crossbites are far simpler to correct during jaw growth than after it stops.

Can Invisalign Fix a Crossbite?

For crossbite treatment in adults and teenagers, Invisalign can address dental crossbites effectively — particularly single-tooth anterior crossbites and moderate posterior crossbites where the arch width discrepancy isn’t severe. Invisalign uses precision attachments and tooth-by-tooth movement to tip and torque teeth into their correct relationship. More complex skeletal posterior crossbites may require a palatal expander before Invisalign can achieve a stable result. Dr Chan assesses each case individually to determine whether Invisalign is appropriate or whether braces offer better mechanical control for the specific crossbite presentation.

What Happens If a Crossbite Is Left Untreated?

Avoiding crossbite treatment carries progressive risks:

• Facial asymmetry: A unilateral crossbite that causes jaw shifting can produce measurable asymmetry in the face and jaw bones if left untreated through childhood
• TMJ problems: Abnormal jaw positioning under chewing load stresses the temporomandibular joint and can lead to chronic pain and clicking
• Premature tooth wear: Teeth in crossbite contact wear abnormally and can fracture
• More complex treatment later: A posterior crossbite corrected with an expander at age 9 may require SARPE surgery at age 25 if untreated

Crossbite Treatment Cost in Australia

Crossbite treatment costs in Australia vary by age, method, and complexity:

• Removable palate expander (child): $1,200–$2,500
• Fixed rapid palatal expander (RPE): $1,500–$3,500
• Braces with crossbite correction: $6,000–$9,000
• Invisalign with crossbite correction: $6,500–$10,000
• SARPE (surgical expansion, adult): $15,000–$30,000+

Private health insurance with orthodontic extras typically contributes toward crossbite treatment costs. Orthoworx offers interest-free payment plans for all treatment types.

Related Reading from Orthoworx

• Deep Bite Correction: What It Is and How Orthodontists Fix It
• Is Invisalign Suitable for Complex Orthodontic Cases?
• Braces at Orthoworx Sydney

Frequently Asked Questions

What is crossbite treatment?

Crossbite treatment corrects the abnormal bite relationship where upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth. Depending on the type and the patient’s age, treatment may involve a palate expander, braces, Invisalign, or in severe adult cases, surgery.

How much does crossbite treatment cost in Australia?

Costs range from $1,200 for a simple removable expander in a child through to $6,000-$10,000 for braces or Invisalign in adults. Surgical cases can cost significantly more. Orthoworx offers interest-free payment plans.

Can Invisalign fix a crossbite?

Yes, for dental crossbites in teens and adults. Invisalign can correct single-tooth anterior crossbites and moderate posterior crossbites. Severe skeletal crossbites may need an expander or surgery before Invisalign finishes the alignment.

At what age should a crossbite be treated?

As early as possible. Posterior crossbites in children aged 6-12 can often be corrected with a palate expander non-surgically. Waiting until adulthood means the same correction may require surgery.

What is a palate expander and how does it fix a crossbite?

A palate expander is an orthodontic appliance that gradually widens the upper jaw (palate). In children whose midpalatal suture is still open, this creates real bone growth to widen the arch and correct the crossbite.

Can a crossbite cause jaw pain?

Yes. A posterior crossbite often forces the jaw to shift sideways to close, stressing the TMJ. This can lead to chronic jaw pain, clicking, and headaches over time.

Can a crossbite get worse over time?

Yes. Untreated crossbites typically worsen as jaw growth continues in children, and tooth wear and TMJ stress accumulate in adults. Early treatment almost always produces simpler and less expensive outcomes than delayed treatment.

Is crossbite treatment covered by private health insurance in Australia?

Private health extras policies with orthodontic cover typically contribute toward crossbite treatment costs. Medicare does not cover orthodontic treatment for adults. Check your fund for annual and lifetime benefit limits.

What is a dental vs skeletal crossbite?

A dental crossbite results from the position of the teeth. A skeletal crossbite results from the size or position of the jaw bones. Dental crossbites are correctable with orthodontics. Skeletal crossbites may require a palate expander or surgery.

How long does crossbite treatment take?

Palate expansion in children typically takes 3-9 months. Braces or Invisalign for crossbite correction in teens or adults typically takes 18-30 months depending on the case complexity.