The teen years are a critical time for orthodontic treatment. As permanent teeth settle into place and jaw growth nears completion, bite problems like crossbites become more noticeable—and more important to correct.
While clear aligners are a popular option for many teens, traditional braces often remain the gold standard for treating crossbites effectively and predictably. At Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics, with locations in Baton Rouge, Addis, Prairieville, and Central, LA, we help families choose the best solution for long-term smile health.
What Is a Crossbite?
A crossbite occurs when some of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside them when biting down. It can affect:
- Front teeth (anterior crossbite)
- Back teeth (posterior crossbite)
- One side of the mouth or both
Crossbites may develop due to genetics, delayed tooth eruption, crowding, or jaw growth differences.
Why Crossbites Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Unlike minor alignment issues, crossbites can cause functional problems that worsen over time if left untreated.
Potential complications include:
- Uneven tooth wear
- Jaw shifting or asymmetrical growth
- Increased risk of gum recession
- TMJ discomfort or jaw pain
- Headaches
- Difficulty chewing properly
In teens especially, untreated crossbites can lead to long-term jaw imbalance since growth is nearly complete.
Why the Teen Years Are a Key Window for Treatment
Adolescence is often the ideal time for comprehensive orthodontic care. Most permanent teeth are in place, and while jaw growth is slowing, there is still enough flexibility to guide alignment effectively.
Treating crossbites during the teen years allows orthodontists to:
- Correct bite alignment before adulthood
- Improve facial symmetry
- Prevent excessive enamel wear
- Reduce the likelihood of future restorative dental work
Early correction helps create a stable foundation for lifelong oral health.
Why Braces Are Still the Gold Standard for Crossbite Correction
While Invisalign and Spark Aligners can be excellent tools for many orthodontic cases, crossbites often require more controlled and precise tooth movement. That’s where braces truly shine.
Here’s why braces are frequently the preferred option:
1. Superior Control Over Tooth Movement
Braces are fixed appliances, meaning they’re always working. They allow orthodontists to apply consistent, targeted pressure to move teeth in multiple directions—especially important when correcting complex bite relationships.
2. Effective Jaw Coordination
In some crossbite cases, elastics (rubber bands) are used with braces to guide how the upper and lower jaws fit together. Braces provide strong anchorage points to make these corrections efficient and predictable.
3. No Compliance Concerns
Unlike removable aligners, braces don’t depend on teens remembering to wear them 20–22 hours a day. For busy teens balancing school, sports, and social activities, this can make a big difference in treatment success.
4. Reliable Results for Complex Cases
Moderate to severe crossbites often involve both alignment and bite correction. Braces are highly versatile and remain one of the most effective solutions for achieving long-term stability.
Braces Options for Teens at Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics
We understand that teens care about appearance during treatment. That’s why we offer several braces options, including:
- Traditional metal braces – Durable, efficient, and highly effective
- Clear ceramic braces – A more discreet alternative with the same powerful results
- Self-ligating braces – Designed for comfort and efficiency
During your teen’s consultation, we’ll evaluate the severity of the crossbite and recommend the best approach for their smile goals and lifestyle.
Beyond Aesthetics: The Health Benefits of Crossbite Correction
Correcting a crossbite isn’t just about achieving straight teeth—it’s about protecting long-term oral and jaw health.
Proper bite alignment can:
- Reduce strain on jaw joints
- Improve chewing efficiency
- Prevent uneven enamel wear
- Support healthier gums
- Promote balanced facial development
When the bite functions properly, everything from speech to daily comfort improves.
At Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics, we believe every teen deserves a confident, healthy smile. With four convenient locations in Baton Rouge, Addis, Prairieville, and Central, LA, families throughout the area trust us for expert orthodontic care delivered with warmth and professionalism.
If your teen has been diagnosed with a crossbite—or if you’ve noticed uneven bite alignment—it’s not too late. Braces remain one of the most trusted and effective ways to create lasting results.