Typically, when a parent brings a young child to the dentist, the last discussion theyre expecting to have is one centered on braces and orthodontic appliances. Yet, even at ages three and four, a talk about braces, sagittal expanders, and retainers can indeed be front and center when a child is diagnosed with a crossbite. The question then is what to do about it, how soon should intervention take place, and what the complications are that can arise if nothing is done at all. Lets get some answers.
Imagine for a moment, youre sitting in front of a nice soup bowl with a wide flat brim, and inside that bowl is hearty chowder youd like to keep warm until youre ready to devour it. So, you grab another bowl designed exactly like the first, and hover it upside-down over the bowl containing the soup. As you slowly lower it, you try to line up the brims so when they rest together they form a nice even seal. Unfortunately, given the soup is hot, you dont quite get the brims to line up perfectly, and the edge of the top bowl ends up resting just slightly to the left of the lip on the bottom bowl. The way these two bowls now rest unevenly atop one another is exactly what you would see in a person with a crossbite.
A crossbite can affect several teeth, or a single tooth, and can occur on either one side of the mouth or both. Simply put, if any one tooth, or several teeth, lay nearer the tongue or cheek instead of coming together evenly, youre likely dealing with a crossbite.
The dental community is split on when to initiate treatment for a crossbite, with some suggesting treatment should begin as soon as it is noticed (sometimes as early as age three), while others suggest parents should wait until a childs sixth year molars have arrived. Despite the difference of opinion as to when treatment should begin, dentists and orthodontist are in agreement that the condition cannot be left untreated. Doing so presents a host of complications for the child later in life including gum and tooth wear, uneven jaw development that can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder, and facial asymmetry something no parent or child wants.
Crossbite treatment generally involves adjusting the spread of a childs teeth with dental appliances so the bite pattern matches evenly on all sides. Depending on the type of crossbite a child has, this can be done with dental expanders which resemble orthodontic retainers, and include a screw that is tightened nightly so as to spread a childs bite to the prescribed width. Additionally, dental facemasks, braces and clear aligners may be used particularly when single teeth are out of alignment.
Crossbites are generally regarded as genetic in nature, so theyre not overly common. It is, however, a condition that needs to be treated before permanent damage to a childs facial and oral development occurs, so if you find yourself at the other end of a discussion about having your little one wear a dental expander, be sure you listen and get however many opinions regarding that advice as you require. Your child, and your wallet will thank you long into the future.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 106 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestWilliam Fulghum
a year ago
Probably the best dental office I have ever been to in my 49 years of life. Excellent front office staff and a professional and thorough Dr that explains every detail of the procedures with patient comfort and well being always a top priority.
Kena Duson
a year ago
I've never been to a dentist who gets me in and out in less than 2 hours. They were very professional, fast, and efficient. Update: 10/17/22 I went for another cleaning and I was out in 45 minutes. I love it here and they are very nice and professional.
George Duron
a year ago
Great place to get your dental care!! The Dr is great and staff also!!!!
Steven Nieves
a year ago
My family and I love Alpha dental. They treat us like family. We will recommend their company to anyone looking for a great environment and great service.
Billy Haynes
a year ago
After seven months, I had a second visit to Alpha Dental for routine annual dental maintenance. I received the same excellent oral care/cleaning and service. Dr. Saka informed me that dental flossing and brushing were all that was necessary for dental hygiene and advised me it was not necessary to use wooden Stimudents. Alpha Dental is also investigating further insurance issue on my behalf to find a deep cleaning inclusion via an elder insurance advantage plan. I had a periodonic deep cleaning procedure at Alpha Care. The digital X-rays never stopped. Even X-rays after the procedure to make certain the calcium deposits below the gum line were thoroughly removed, before- and-after comparison by Dr. Heroshi Saka. I've been under periodontal care my entire life. Dr. Saka is as good as it gets. Also, the office manager, Cam, running Alpha Dental Care, Midlothian, Texas, knows the business/insurance ends and outs of dentistry, having worked at the Harvard School of Dentistry prior. She did everything possible to find any and all discounts and savings, as well as cite options. Since insurance did not cover this procedure, I investigated other dentists in the area. The savings with Alpha Care were huge, due to the expertise of the business secretary. I notice a new dentist office in the Waxahachie Midlothian area every month. Alpha Dental is off-the-beaten-path and doesn't have road visibility. Search them out. Dental Care doesn't get any better than Dr. Heroshi Saka. He works meticulously from x-rays, even on teeth cleaning and does general periodontal scaling if needed.
Dale Mills
2 years ago
Super nice people and an enjoyable experience, which seems strange to say about going to the dentist.
Leslie Autry
2 years ago
I've been seeing this dentist for over a 3 years now! He is very knowledgeable and thorough! Excellent customer service EVERY time! Now my entire family goes to Alpha Dental!!
Sergeant Rios
2 years ago
Excellent Dentist and extremely helpful front desk, she is amazing. You gotta go here if you have no where else to go and if you do and they take your insurance transfer! Great job!
Karina Martin
2 years ago
Dr. Saka is attentive to his patients. He's made our dental procedures as quick and painless as possible. He's done an amazing job providing dental care for my family and I. He is friendly and professional. At Alpha Dental the entire staff is polite and courteous. My husband and I went to Alpha Dental because a coworker recommended it. We haven't gone elsewhere since. We highly recommend Alpha Dental!
Erika Sanchez Teran
2 years ago
(Translated by Google) 100% recommended excellent doctor, exceptional service from all staff. (Original) Recomendado al 100% exelente doctor, un servicio excepcional de todo el personal.
Karen Green
2 years ago
Super nice Doctor and staff. They really care about their patients. I am very happy with my Dental work. I have been a patient with Alpha Dental for 7 years. And recommended them to all my family and friends.
Jackie Hollie
2 years ago
Great place.
Vi Nieves
2 years ago
Love Dr. Saka and Cam! I've been going there for five years and it's always very professional and friendly! No wait time. Always in and out efficiently!
George Duron
2 years ago
Great place to get your dental care!!
Dale Mills
2 years ago
Super nice people and an enjoyable experience, which seems strange to say about going to the dentist.
Wendy Henderson
2 years ago
Great dentist and friendly staff!
Donald Mondragon
2 years ago
Fabulous care! Friendly and professional staff. The staff at Alpha Dental provided me with outstanding care and made me feel like I was the only patient in the office. Thanks Dr. Saka and Alpha Dental Staff.
Kena Duson
2 years ago
I've never been to a dentist who gets me in and out in less than 2 hours. They were very professional, fast, and efficient.
Pam Griffin
2 years ago
Very caring staff. Relaxed atmosphere
Keri White
2 years ago
Great atmosphere and excellent care from all the staff.
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