Why a crossbite in children should be treated early
With a crossbite, the upper and lower jaw bite together offset to the side. In children this is especially important to monitor, because an untreated crossbite can affect the growth of the jaw. As the jaw is still developing during childhood, a misalignment can be guided deliberately in this phase — later it becomes more involved.
Treat already in the milk dentition — don't wait for the permanent teeth
Many parents think you have to wait until all permanent teeth are present. With a crossbite this is not the case: a crossbite should be treated even when the child still has milk teeth and not all permanent teeth have erupted yet. Early correction in particular supports healthy jaw development.
Early treatment: supporting growth
The correction is carried out as an early treatment — the goal is to support jaw growth in the right direction before the misalignment becomes established. Early treatment usually begins between 4 and 9 years and typically lasts 6 to 12 months, depending on the type and severity as well as the individual growth.
Treatment with a clear aligner
A crossbite in children can be treated very well with a clear aligner — gentle, removable and child-friendly. Instead of a conspicuous fixed brace, your child wears a specially made, transparent tray that gently guides growth and creates space for the permanent teeth.
Does insurance cover the costs?
For children, orthodontic treatments are often contributed to with a medical indication (health insurance or IV); supplementary dental insurance covers 50–75 % depending on the policy. We assess the cost coverage individually and support you with the submission. More on this in the article Braces for children — what insurance covers.
Have your child's crossbite assessed — in Zurich
Do you suspect a crossbite in your child? Don't wait — a short assessment provides clarity. You'll find more about our orthodontics in Zurich and early treatment for children on our treatment pages — or arrange a no-obligation consultation at our practice at Löwenplatz in Zurich.
This article is for general information only and does not replace individual dental advice. Whether and which treatment is right for you is something we determine in a personal consultation based on your individual situation.
