Is 8-Years-Old Too Young to See an Orthodontist About a Crossbite?


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Dear Dr. Barakat,

My dentist said my 8-year-old child has a crossbite and should see an Orthodontist. He still has a lot of baby teeth, when should this be fixed?


Dear Concerned Parent,

It’s great that your Dentist has referred you to see an Orthodontic specialist!

Orthodontists are specialists who get a few years of training after dental school in the alignment of teeth and jaws. An Orthodontist monitors jaw growth from when a child is very young, starting around 7 years old. This allows early detection of bite problems, such as the crossbite your child has.

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Crossbites can involve the front teeth or back teeth. In either case, this should be corrected at a young age, while the jaw is still developing. A crossbite can cause uneven jaw growth, a shift in the bite to compensate for the problem, and unwanted wear on the tooth enamel.

A crossbite can be caused by genetics, prolonged habits such as thumb sucking, and the delayed or abnormal loss of baby teeth.

Treatment includes expanders and/or braces, or in certain cases, Invisalign. Treatment of crossbites in adults usually requires jaw surgery to correct. As a Board Certified Orthodontist, I recommend getting an Orthodontic consultation soon to ensure the best orthodontic treatment outcome for your child.

Did you know Barakat Orthodontics offers complimentary consultations? Schedule yours today online or by calling/texting (703) 433-9330.


Dr. Rana Barakat, a board-certified specialist in Orthodontics, has been proudly serving Northern Virginia for more than 20-years! She has built her practice on a personal touch and excellent treatment.

As a parent, she understands wanting the best for your children by giving them beautiful, confident smiles. She makes it a priority to ensure optimal results, but also believes that each patient’s experience during treatment is just as important as the clinical result. As the 2015-16 President of the Virginia Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Barakat’s dedication and expertise reflect why her peers continue to nominate her as a Top Dentist.

Barakat Orthodontics is located at 45745 Nokes Blvd., Ste. 175, Sterling, VA 20166. Connect by visiting them online, or get social with them on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter. Barakat Orthodontics can also be reached at (703) 433-9330.

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