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 14 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestBen Rice
2 years ago
Aye family dentistry is very professional and makes you feel comfortable through your entire visit!
David Mcintyre (Doc)
2 years ago
Dr. McFarland is a hell of a good dentist. The rest of the staff is extremely good. Very caring. I have not seen dr. Aye yet, but will update when I do.
David Mcintyre (Doc)
3 years ago
Dr. McFarland is a hell of a good dentist. The rest of the staff is extremely good. Very caring. I have not seen dr. Aye yet, but will update when I do.
Cyndi
3 years ago
I had to have a broken tooth fixed and was very well cared for. I am not fond of having dental work done and EVERYONE was very kind. Dr. Aye was able to save the tooth and get it capped. I am very happy with my care!
Linda Conard
3 years ago
My experience has always been great, I enjoy my appointments. They are always very professional, prompt, gentle, courteous, considerate & thorough. I would recommend them to friends.
Cyndi
4 years ago
I had to have a broken tooth fixed and was very well cared for. I am not fond of having dental work done and EVERYONE was very kind. Dr. Aye was able to save the tooth and get it capped. I am very happy with my care!
Linda Conard
4 years ago
My experience has always been great, I enjoy my appointments. They are always very professional, prompt, gentle, courteous, considerate & thorough. I would recommend them to friends.
Jackie Dowell
4 years ago
A coworker recommended McFarland Dental when we were talking about my broken tooth. When I made my appointment I explained I had a bad tooth, upon my examination I was informed I would need a crown. The surprise is they have a printer and can make them there and repaired my tooth in about an hour.
Jastian Bastian
4 years ago
Always great customer service Staff is accommodating and concerned for my comfort. Highly recommended. No complaints. I've been a long term customer and always been satisfied.
Jackie Dowell
5 years ago
A coworker recommended McFarland Dental when we were talking about my broken tooth. When I made my appointment I explained I had a bad tooth, upon my examination I was informed I would need a crown. The surprise is they have a printer and can make them there and repaired my tooth in about an hour.
Jastian Bastian
5 years ago
Always great customer service Staff is accommodating and concerned for my comfort. Highly recommended. No complaints. I've been a long term customer and always been satisfied.
Jeri Dalbec
5 years ago
Our family has seen Dr. McFarland every six months since he came to Miles City. Excellent and Painless which is important to us. I highly recommend.
Liz Franz
5 years ago
I love Dr McFarland, Tammy and the staff!
Pam Gutierrez
5 years ago
Best dentist I have had in a long time : )
Jeri Dalbec
6 years ago
Our family has seen Dr. McFarland every six months since he came to Miles City. Excellent and Painless which is important to us. I highly recommend.
Pam Gutierrez
6 years ago
Best dentist I have had in a long time : )
Liz Franz
6 years ago
I love Dr McFarland, Tammy and the staff!
Robin Goetz
6 years ago
I have always hated going to the dentist. Since I started going to McFarland Family Dentistry I don't mind going. Always caring and friendly people.
Misty Steadman
6 years ago
I am happy to say Dr. Garret DDS and his wife Tammie RDH, are so professional and do such a good job cleaning and taking care of my teeth. And I am most happy about how well they take care of my three kids. My kids are very comfortable going into their office and getting anything from teeth cleaning to getting shots for cavities that need filled... All of the staff seem to care a lot about doing a good job - and making people feel like they are being taken care of -every time! Thanks McFarland Dentistry!
kristine harding
6 years ago
Dr McFarland and staff were very gentle & understanding with my kiddos! They treated them like family! Definitely a two thumbs up!
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