Crossbite Treatment in Johnson City | Fix Your Bite Fast & Pain-Free

Does your bite feel uneven or do your child’s teeth not line up properly? You might be dealing with a crossbite – but here’s the good news: it’s totally fixable, and we do it every single day.

At Sturgill Orthodontics, we offer expert crossbite treatment in Johnson City with a team of board-certified orthodontists who specialize in correcting misaligned bites for patients of all ages. Our orthodontic care for kids in Johnson City is particularly popular because we make sure every single appointment is actually enjoyable.

Yes, you read that right. Kids actually look forward to coming here!

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Expert Crossbite Treatment Johnson City Families Trust

As your trusted orthodontist in Johnson City TN, we’ve helped hundreds of families fix crossbites without surgery using the latest techniques. Here’s everything you need to know:

✅ Simple ways to spot crossbite warning signs
✅ What causes crossbites (spoiler: it’s usually not your fault!)
✅ Treatment options that actually work – from regular braces to invisible aligners
✅ Why fixing it early saves time, money, and headaches later
✅ What your treatment experience will actually be like (hint: it’s way better than you think)
✅ Payment plans that won’t stress your budget

Let’s dive in and show you exactly how we can get your bite working perfectly.

What’s a Crossbite? (In Simple Terms)

Think of your teeth like a zipper. When everything’s working right, your top teeth sit slightly over your bottom teeth when you bite down – just like how a zipper lines up perfectly.

A crossbite is when some of those “zipper teeth” are backwards. Instead of your top teeth sitting over your bottom teeth, some of your top teeth get stuck behind your bottom teeth.

It’s like trying to zip up a jacket that’s not lined up right – it just doesn’t work smoothly.

Why Do Crossbites Happen?

The honest truth? Sometimes it’s just how you’re built, and that’s totally normal. Here are the main reasons crossbites develop:

Family Genes – If mom, dad, or grandparents had bite issues, there’s a good chance it runs in the family. Think of it like inheriting eye color – it just happens.

Baby Teeth That Won’t Leave – Sometimes baby teeth hang around too long (like that friend who won’t leave the party). When they don’t fall out on schedule, the permanent teeth come in crooked.

Childhood Habits – Things like thumb sucking past age 3, using a pacifier too long, or pushing your tongue against your teeth can slowly move them out of place. It’s like water slowly wearing away rock – gentle pressure over time adds up.

Jaw Size Mismatch – Sometimes your top jaw just doesn’t grow wide enough. It’s like trying to fit a size 8 foot into a size 6 shoe – everything gets cramped.

Breathing Through Your Mouth – If your nose is always stuffy (from allergies or big tonsils), you end up breathing through your mouth a lot. This can actually change how your jaw grows.

The great news? We can fix almost all of these issues, especially if we catch them early. That’s why our orthodontic team suggests checking kids’ bites around age 7.

Different Types of Crossbites

Front Tooth Crossbite – This is when your front top teeth sit behind your front bottom teeth. It can make it look like you have an underbite, even when it’s just a few teeth acting up.

Back Tooth Crossbite – This happens when your top back teeth sit inside your bottom back teeth. Kids get this one a lot, and the earlier we fix it, the easier it is.

One Side vs. Both Sides

• One side: Only the left or right side of your mouth is affected
• Both sides: Both left and right sides have the problem

How to Tell if You or Your Kid Has a Crossbite

Worried Your Child’s Bite Looks Off?

A quick check can spot problems before they turn into bigger headaches. Lots of Tri-Cities parents are shocked when they find out their kid’s “little” bite issue could cause major problems if nobody fixes it.

Book a Free Check-Up – We’ll Tell You Exactly What’s Going On

Warning Signs in Kids:

• Teeth look crooked when they bite down
• Their jaw slides to one side when they close their mouth
• Baby teeth fall out too early on one side
• They have trouble chewing certain foods
• They talk funny or have trouble saying some sounds
• They breathe through their mouth instead of their nose

Many of these signs also mean your child might benefit from early treatment.

Warning Signs in Adults:

• Some teeth wear down faster than others
• Your jaw hurts or makes clicking sounds
• You get headaches a lot
• Some foods are hard to chew
• You’re embarrassed about how your smile looks
• Your gums are pulling back from certain teeth

If you’re wondering whether you need braces, these crossbite symptoms are usually a pretty clear sign that orthodontic treatment could help big time.

Why You Can’t Just Ignore a Crossbite

Here’s the thing about crossbites – they don’t fix themselves. Ever. And they almost always get worse over time.

For Growing Kids: A crossbite can actually change the shape of your child’s face as they grow. If their bottom jaw keeps sliding to one side to avoid the crossbite, their face can grow crooked permanently. That’s why early orthodontic care is so important.

For Teens and Adults: Even when your jaw is done growing, crossbites keep causing problems:

• Your teeth wear down unevenly and can chip or crack
• Your gums get damaged from the wrong kind of pressure
• Your jaw joint (called the TMJ – fancy name for the hinge that opens and closes your mouth) starts hurting
• You get headaches and neck pain

The sooner we catch and fix a crossbite, the easier and faster treatment usually is.

How We Fix Crossbites Without Surgery in Johnson City

Every crossbite is different, which is why our team of board-certified orthodontists creates a custom plan just for you. Here’s how we help Johnson City families get perfect bites:

For Kids (Early Pediatric Orthodontic Care)

Palatal Expanders (that means “jaw wideners”)
For kids whose top jaw is too narrow, we use these cool little devices that gradually make the upper jaw wider. Think of it like slowly stretching a rubber band – gentle, steady pressure that creates the perfect amount of room.

The best part? Kids get used to them super fast, and treatment usually only takes a few months.

Why Expanders Work So Well for Crossbites

Here’s the simple science behind why expanders are amazing for fixing posterior crossbites:

The Problem: Your child’s upper jaw is too narrow, so the top teeth sit inside the bottom teeth instead of outside where they belong.

The Solution: The expander sits on the roof of the mouth and applies gentle, consistent pressure to gradually widen the upper jaw.

Why It Works: In kids, the bones in the roof of the mouth haven’t fused together yet (that happens around age 16). This means we can actually guide jaw growth while they’re young – something that’s much harder to do in adults.

The Timeline:

• Week 1-2: Getting used to the expander (easier than you think!)
• Month 1-3: Active expansion phase (you’ll see changes happening)
• Month 4-6: Holding phase to let the bone stabilize
• Result: A wider upper jaw that creates proper bite alignment

What Parents Notice: Kids can breathe better through their nose, chew more comfortably, and their smile gets wider naturally. It’s like giving their teeth the perfect amount of space to line up correctly.

Partial Metal Braces
Sometimes we only need to put traditional braces on the front teeth to fix a crossbite. It’s like using a small tool to fix a small problem instead of bringing out the big equipment.

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For Teens and Adults

Traditional Orthodontic Braces
Our modern metal braces are way smaller and more comfortable than the ones your parents might have had. They’re the most powerful option for fixing all types of crossbites.

Clear Ceramic Braces
Want something less noticeable? Clear braces work just as well as metal ones but blend in with your natural tooth color. Most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.

Invisalign Clear Aligners
For many crossbites, Invisalign can fix the problem while being practically invisible. Perfect for Johnson City professionals who want to straighten their teeth without anyone knowing.

Invisalign works great for:

• Mild to moderate crossbites
• Single tooth crossbites
• Cases that don’t need major jaw movement

For trickier crossbites, we might use Invisalign with special attachments (tiny clear bumps on your teeth) or rubber bands to get exactly the right movement.

Advanced Treatment for Really Tough Cases
In rare situations where the jaw size difference is severe, especially in adults whose jaws are done growing, we might recommend working with an oral surgeon. Our team partners with the best surgeons when this level of treatment is needed.

Your Treatment Journey: What to Expect

Step 1: Your Free Consultation
During your free visit, one of our orthodontists will check your bite, take digital X-rays (way faster and more comfortable than old-school ones), and listen to your concerns. We use high-tech equipment to see exactly what’s going on with your teeth and jaw.

Step 2: Your Custom Game Plan
Based on your specific crossbite, your age, and what matters to you, we’ll recommend the best treatment. We’ll also talk about how long it’ll take and what it costs – no surprises, ever.

Step 3: The Fun Part (Yes, Really!)
Whether you choose braces, aligners, or other appliances, we’ll watch your progress carefully. Most crossbite treatments take 12-24 months, but we’ll give you your exact timeline.

And here’s what makes us different: every appointment is actually enjoyable. We have a coffee bar (seriously!), comfy seating areas, and a team that makes you feel like family.

Step 4: Keeping Your New Smile Forever
After treatment, you’ll wear retainers to keep your new bite in place. This is super important for making sure your results last forever.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Early treatment (ages 7-10): 6-12 months with expanders or partial braces
Full treatment (teens/adults): 12-24 months depending on how complex your case is
Invisalign cases: Usually 12-18 months for mild to moderate crossbites

How Often You’ll Visit:

• First phase: Every 4-6 weeks for adjustments
• Check-ups: Every 6-8 weeks
• Emergency appointments available if something breaks

What Affects Your Timeline:

• How severe your crossbite is
• How old you are when you start
• How well you follow instructions
• Which treatment you choose

When You Need to Act Fast

Red Flags in Kids:

• Their jaw shifts dramatically when they bite
• They’re in pain when they chew
• Their speech is getting worse
• They lose multiple baby teeth too early

Adult Warning Signs:

• Constant jaw pain or clicking sounds
• Your teeth are wearing down fast or chipping
• Your gums are pulling away from crossbite teeth
• Your bite problems are getting worse

Don’t wait if you see these signs – getting help early prevents way more complicated treatment later.

Sturgill Orthodontics vs. Other Johnson City Practices

Here’s why families choose us over other orthodontists in the Tri-Cities:

This comparison shows why so many Johnson City families drive past other practices to come see us.

Why Johnson City Families Choose Us

Multiple Expert Orthodontists Working Together – Instead of just one doctor’s opinion, our patients get the combined expertise of multiple specialists. We actually collaborate on tough cases to make sure you get the absolute best care.

The Latest Technology That Actually Matters – We invest in the newest orthodontic equipment, from 3D imaging to custom treatment software. This means more accurate diagnosis and faster treatment. But we don’t just buy fancy gadgets – we use tech that actually makes your experience better.

It Actually Feels Like a Luxury Spa – Our Johnson City office has a custom coffee bar (with a real barista!), ultra-comfortable seating, and a warm atmosphere that makes you want to hang out. We literally roll out a red carpet for new patients!

Same-Week Appointments Available – With multiple locations and extended hours, we offer way more appointment options than other orthodontic practices in the area. Need to start treatment quickly? We can usually get you in the same week.

Results You Can Actually See – We don’t just promise great results – we show you exactly how your smile will look before you even start treatment. Plus, we track your progress with photos so you can see the amazing changes happening.

Real Success Story: Emma’s Crossbite Transformation

Emma came to us at age 8 with a posterior crossbite that was causing her jaw to shift sideways every time she chewed. Her mom was worried about permanent facial changes.

The Problem: Emma’s upper jaw was too narrow, causing her back teeth to hit incorrectly and forcing her jaw to slide to one side.

Our Solution: We used a gentle palatal expander for 6 months to gradually widen her upper jaw, followed by 8 months of partial braces to fine-tune the alignment.

The Results: Emma now has a perfectly aligned bite, her jaw doesn’t shift anymore, and she can chew comfortably. Best of all, her mom doesn’t worry about permanent facial asymmetry anymore.

Emma’s Mom Says: “I was so scared about what would happen if we didn’t fix this. The team at Sturgill made the whole process fun for Emma. She actually asked when her next appointment was because she loved coming here!”

This is exactly the kind of outcome we achieve for kids with crossbites every day. Early treatment makes all the difference.

What Our Johnson City Patients Say

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Your Questions Answered

What’s the best way to fix a crossbite?

It depends on your age, what type of crossbite you have, and how severe it is. For kids, jaw expanders often work great for back tooth crossbites. For teens and adults, traditional braces are usually the most effective for complicated cases. Invisalign works wonderfully for milder crossbites. Our orthodontic team will recommend what’s best for your specific situation.

How do expanders fix crossbites?

Expanders work by gradually widening your child’s upper jaw while the bones are still growing. In kids, the bones in the roof of the mouth haven’t fused together yet (this happens around age 16), so we can actually guide jaw growth.

The expander applies gentle, consistent pressure that creates more space for the upper teeth to sit properly outside the lower teeth, exactly where they should be. Most kids get used to expanders within a few days, and the expansion process typically takes 3-6 months.

Can Invisalign really help a crossbite?

Yes! Invisalign can effectively treat many types of crossbites, especially single tooth crossbites and mild to moderate cases. The clear aligners gradually move teeth into proper position using precise, controlled force. For more complex crossbites, we might use Invisalign with special attachments (tiny clear bumps) or rubber bands to achieve the exact movements needed.

However, for severe crossbites or cases requiring significant jaw expansion, traditional braces or expanders might be more effective. During your free consultation, we’ll determine if Invisalign is the right choice for your specific crossbite.

How do adults fix crossbites?

Adults have lots of great options. Traditional braces are still the gold standard for complex cases, while Invisalign works well for milder crossbites. Clear braces are more subtle. For really severe cases, we might need to work with a surgeon.

Is it worth fixing a crossbite?

Absolutely! Fixing a crossbite prevents serious problems like uneven tooth wear, gum damage, jaw pain, and TMJ issues. Plus, most patients tell us their confidence goes way up and chewing becomes so much easier. Investing in treatment now saves you from expensive dental problems and pain later.

What causes crossbites?

Usually it’s a combination of genetics (runs in families), baby teeth that don’t fall out on time, childhood habits like thumb sucking, jaw development issues, or chronic mouth breathing from allergies. Understanding the cause helps us pick the best treatment.

What happens if you don’t fix a crossbite?

Bad things, unfortunately. Untreated crossbites lead to: teeth wearing down unevenly and breaking, gum disease from wrong pressure, chronic jaw pain and TMJ problems, trouble chewing and digesting food, and in kids, permanent facial asymmetry (one side of their face growing differently than the other).

When should you fix a crossbite?

The earlier the better! We recommend checking kids around age 7 when we can guide jaw growth and prevent bigger problems. Early treatment (ages 7-10) is usually faster and simpler, but teens and adults can get amazing results too.

How much does crossbite treatment cost?

It varies based on how complex your crossbite is and which treatment you choose. Early treatment for kids often costs less than full treatment for adults. We offer flexible payment plans, work with most insurance companies, and have 0% interest financing. During your free consultation, we’ll give you exact costs and show you all your payment options.

Will fixing a crossbite change how I look?

Yes, usually in a really good way! Correcting a crossbite can improve facial balance and your profile, especially if treated early in kids. Adults often notice subtle improvements in how their features work together. The changes are almost always positive – better harmony and a more confident smile.

Do crossbites get worse over time?

Yes – and in kids, the consequences can become permanent if not treated early. We’ve helped hundreds of families in Johnson City avoid long-term problems by treating crossbites early. The uneven pressure causes teeth to wear down more, gum problems to develop, and jaw issues to worsen. In growing children, untreated crossbites can lead to permanent face shape changes. That’s why getting help early is so important.

How much does Invisalign cost for crossbites?

Invisalign costs are usually similar to traditional braces for crossbite treatment. The exact price depends on how complex your case is and how long treatment takes. We offer the same flexible payment options for Invisalign, and most insurance plans cover it just like regular braces.

Is crossbite treatment medically necessary?

Many crossbites are considered medically necessary because of the functional problems they cause. If your crossbite affects chewing, causes jaw pain, leads to tooth wear, or impacts facial development, insurance typically covers it as necessary treatment, not just cosmetic.

Making Treatment Affordable for Every Family

We believe every family in Johnson City should be able to get great orthodontic care. That’s why we offer:

• Flexible payment plans with 0% interest
• Insurance help – we work with most major plans
• Free consultations to explore your options
• Family discounts when multiple kids need treatment
• HSA/FSA accepted

New Patient Perks:

• Free consultation and digital scan
• Same-day treatment available
• Lifetime retainer monitoring
• Flexible scheduling for busy families

We See Families From All Over the Tri-Cities

Families from across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia come to us for crossbite treatment:

• Johnson City
• Kingsport
• Bristol
• Elizabethton
• Jonesborough
• Gray
• Norton, VA
• Blountville
• Erwin

Our convenient Johnson City location is easy to get to from anywhere in the area.

Ready to Fix That Crossbite?

Don’t let a crossbite mess with your child’s jaw development or cause you ongoing pain. Our team of board-certified orthodontists is ready to help you get a healthy, perfectly aligned bite.

The end goal? A bite that works perfectly, teeth that will last a lifetime, and a smile you’re proud to show off. But just as important – you’ll actually enjoy the 1-2 years of treatment. We make sure every appointment is comfortable, fun, and stress-free.

You’re not just investing in straight teeth. You’re investing in an amazing experience that makes you excited to come back.

Call us today at (423) 528-8859 or book your free consultation online.

During your visit, we’ll:

• Check your bite and jaw alignment
• Explain all your treatment options in simple terms
• Give you a personalized timeline and exact costs
• Answer every single question you have
• Show you why our patients actually look forward to appointments

Sturgill Orthodontics – Johnson City Office
801 Sunset Dr., Suite E5
Johnson City, TN 37604
Phone: (423) 471-8859

Office Hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Book My Free Consultation – Let’s Fix This Crossbite!

Posted by Sturgill Orthodontics