What to do if rubber bands don't correct a cross bite?

Cross Bite: If the rubber bands are used correctly they generally work however in some cases surgery can help. The palate midline is split by an oral surgeon (sounds worse than it is) and a device is place that you turn one half mm/day. The bone heals and the cross bite is corrected.

What's the cause?: If it's a jaw (skeletal) cross bite, as an adult you made need surgical assistance. If it's a tooth (dental) cross bite there are many non-surgical alternatives including elastics. Discuss your concerns with your orthodontist (i hope you are seeing a specialist) for additional insight.

Depends: Lots of variables here-- too many to tell you what to do. Yes, surgery may be needed. While you are an adult, and conventionally this should not work, we actually have successfully used palette expansion on some adults (not that it always works, but we have had success with patients in their 20's when common wisdom is that this should never work). Best to discuss with your orthodontist.

Talk to orthodontist: These elastics usually run from the inside of an upper tooth to the outside of a bottom tooth to help correct a cross-bite. Only your orthodontist can determine the appropriate length and strength of elastic and time needed to correct the cross-bite in your specific case.

Great Question...: But more info is needed... as in where the crossbite is, and how much movement is needed to correct the malocclusion. Only your orthodontist knows the answers, and I'm confident that s/he will incorporate other methods to accomplish the treatment goals.

Ask orthodontist: Your orthodontist should be able to answer this question for you. Usually there is a combination approach of wires, bracket position and elastics to move teeth. Sometimes surgery is needed in extreme discrepancies between the maxilla (top jaw) and mandible (bottom jaw).