Is your bite doing this too?
A crossbite is not only cosmetic. Left alone it wears teeth unevenly and loads the joint badly. Send us a photo and we will tell you whether it needs correcting before anything else, and what that would involve.
- A call within two hours during office hours.
- A written cost from us, before you commit to anything.
- No obligation. Many patients take weeks to decide. That is normal.
What this case cost
$622/month
144 payments at 9.99% APR, on approved credit.
Total: $52,000 for twenty porcelain veneers, ten upper and ten lower, plus the dental implants and their crowns.
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Treatment Plan by Dr. Mehdizadeh
- Comprehensive smile analysis, crossbite assessment, and cone-beam CT imaging
- Placement of 2 dental implants to replace missing posterior teeth
- Upper porcelain veneers designed to correct anterior crossbite without orthodontics
- Lower porcelain veneers for complete smile harmonization and bite coordination
- Final implant crowns shade-matched and coordinated with veneer design
Can a Crossbite Be Fixed Without Braces? How Veneers and Implants Achieved a Complete Transformation
This patient wanted a bright, beautiful smile. Her front teeth were in anterior crossbite, meaning the upper teeth sat behind the lower teeth rather than in front of them, and she was also missing two posterior teeth. She had no interest in spending 12–24 months in braces or clear aligners. Dr. Mehdizadeh planned treatment to address all three issues together.
Crossbite correction traditionally requires orthodontic treatment. Braces or Invisalign gradually move teeth into proper position over months or years. For patients who want faster results or prefer to avoid orthodontics entirely, porcelain veneers can correct the appearance of mild to moderate crossbites by changing where the visible tooth surface sits, effectively repositioning the smile without moving the tooth roots. The approach needs precise planning, so that the veneers address both the appearance and the function of the bite.
“A bright smile and complete function—without a single bracket or wire.”
What Is an Anterior Crossbite and Why Does It Matter?
An anterior crossbite occurs when one or more upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth instead of overlapping in front of them. This is not just an aesthetic issue. When upper teeth sit behind lower teeth, it affects how the patient bites, how the dental arch distributes chewing forces, and how the jaw joints function. Left uncorrected, crossbites can lead to uneven enamel wear, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort, gum recession on the affected teeth, and progressive dental problems that worsen over time.
Initial Presentation
Anterior crossbite affecting multiple front teeth, two missing posterior teeth creating chewing difficulty, desire for a brighter smile, and firm preference to avoid orthodontic treatment of any kind.
How We Planned the Two-Phase Treatment
The plan addressed all of her concerns in approximately 12 weeks, in two coordinated phases sequenced to keep total treatment time short.
Phase 1 involved placing two dental implants to replace the missing posterior teeth. These titanium implants would restore the ability to chew properly and prevent the progressive bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing. Dr. Mehdizadeh placed the implants under IV sedation, which he administered, and they began osseointegration, the process of fusing with the jawbone, while we planned and designed the cosmetic phase with our laboratory team.
Phase 2 addressed the crossbite and aesthetics with porcelain veneers. Once the implants were stable, we began the restorative phase. Dr. Mehdizadeh designed the position, angle and thickness of each veneer to correct the appearance of the crossbite without moving the underlying teeth. The veneers essentially repositioned where the teeth appear to sit, building out the front surface of the upper teeth to create proper overlap of upper over lower. The lower teeth received veneers simultaneously to establish coordinated proportions and a harmonious bite relationship.
- Upper veneers designed to extend slightly forward, correcting the crossbite visually and functionally
- Lower veneers shaped to complement the new upper tooth positions and establish proper bite
- Bright, natural shade selected to achieve her aesthetic goals without appearing artificial
- Implant crowns fabricated to match the veneer shade, shape, and surface texture exactly
Why Porcelain Veneers Can Correct a Crossbite
Porcelain veneers correct the appearance of mild to moderate crossbites by changing where the visible portion of the tooth sits. The veneers do not move the tooth root; they build out the front surface with 0.5–1.0mm of porcelain to align the visible tooth structure. This approach works well when the crossbite is 1–3mm in severity and when careful occlusal design can maintain or improve the bite function. We design every veneer in relation to its neighbors, to the opposing teeth and to the overall bite, and we design the implant crowns to match the veneers.
This approach does have limitations. Severe crossbites involving significant skeletal discrepancies of 4mm or more typically still require orthodontic treatment, and in some cases orthognathic surgery. We evaluate each case with a 3D X-ray (CT scan) and digital bite analysis to decide whether veneer correction is appropriate or whether to recommend orthodontics instead.
The Result After 12 Weeks of Treatment
Treatment took twelve weeks from start to finish. The veneers corrected her crossbite, implant-supported crowns replaced her missing teeth, and she has the bright smile she wanted, without braces, aligners or years of treatment. The veneers create proper upper-over-lower tooth overlap, and the implant crowns in the posterior restore full chewing function.
“Complex problems don’t always require complex timelines.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Crossbite Correction with Veneers
Can porcelain veneers really fix a crossbite without braces?
Porcelain veneers can correct the appearance of mild to moderate anterior crossbites (1–3mm severity) by building out the front surface of upper teeth to create proper overlap with lower teeth. This works best when the crossbite is primarily dental rather than skeletal. Severe crossbites involving significant jaw discrepancies may still require orthodontics or surgical intervention. We evaluate each case with a 3D X-ray (CT scan) to determine the appropriate approach.
Why were dental implants placed before porcelain veneers?
Dental implants require 3–4 months to integrate with the jawbone through osseointegration. Placing the implants first let us use the healing period to plan and design the porcelain veneers with our laboratory team. This sequencing allowed both treatments to progress simultaneously without extending the overall 12-week timeline. Our laboratory made the implant crowns at the same time as the veneers, so the two match precisely.
Is crossbite correction with veneers right for everyone?
Porcelain veneers cannot correct every crossbite. The approach works best for mild to moderate anterior crossbites of 1–3mm where the underlying jaw relationship is normal. Severe crossbites involving skeletal discrepancies of 4mm or more, posterior crossbites, or cases with significant functional interference may require orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, or a combination. A thorough clinical evaluation with imaging determines which approach is appropriate.
Why did both upper and lower teeth need porcelain veneers?
When correcting a crossbite with veneers, we coordinate the relationship between upper and lower teeth carefully. Building out the upper teeth alone would create improper contact with the untreated lower teeth, potentially causing bite problems, uneven wear, or TMJ discomfort. Treating both arches ensures proper aesthetics, functional occlusion, and long-term bite harmony. We design the upper and lower veneers as one coordinated system.
How much does crossbite correction with veneers and implants cost?
This case was $52,000, covering twenty porcelain veneers, ten upper and ten lower, plus the dental implants and their crowns. $622/month: 144 payments at 9.99% APR, on approved credit.
How long does the combined treatment take?
This case took 12 weeks from start to finish. The timeline includes implant placement, a healing period during which we plan and design the veneers, veneer preparation and temporary placement, and delivery of the final veneers and implant crowns. Most combined veneer-and-implant cases take 10–16 weeks depending on complexity and healing response.
How long do the results of crossbite correction with veneers last?
Porcelain veneers typically last 15–20 years with proper care. Dental implants can last many years with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings every 6 months. The crossbite correction achieved through veneers is stable in the sense that the teeth will not shift back to a crossbite position, because the porcelain itself carries the correction rather than relying on moved tooth roots that could relapse.
What are the alternatives to correcting a crossbite with veneers?
Alternatives include traditional braces (12–24 months), Invisalign clear aligners (6–18 months depending on severity), or a combination of short-term orthodontics followed by veneers for aesthetic refinement. For severe skeletal crossbites, orthognathic jaw surgery may be necessary. The veneer-only approach offers the fastest timeline but is limited to mild-to-moderate dental crossbites. We discuss all options during the consultation so you can make an informed decision.
Will crossbite correction with veneers affect how the bite functions?
When properly designed, veneers for crossbite correction should improve bite function, not compromise it. We use digital bite analysis and articulator-mounted study models to plan the new occlusal relationships before any preparation begins. The goal is to establish proper anterior guidance where the upper teeth overlap the lowers by approximately 2–3mm, distributing chewing forces correctly and protecting the posterior teeth and jaw joints.
Can veneers for crossbite correction be done under sedation?
Dr. Mehdizadeh typically places the implants under IV sedation, which he administers for your comfort. We can also do the veneer preparation and bonding appointments under sedation if you prefer, though many patients find these appointments comfortable with local anesthesia alone. We discuss sedation options during the initial consultation, based on your comfort level and the complexity of the planned procedures.
