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 4.8 out of 5 based on 56 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestGene Grainer
a year ago
I am very impressed with the quality of service and friendly atmosphere I experienced as a new patient at Buist Dental. Jennifer did an awesome cleaning and the entire staff was helpful and friendly. I'm very happy to have found a great dentist!
Kevin Wilson
2 years ago
Best dentist in North Augusta!!!!!
Linda Hollifield
2 years ago
I have been going to Buist Dental for several years. They are always friendly and make you feel special. I highly recommend them.
Judy Wood
2 years ago
It was a weekend when my husband fell and knocked out some teeth. Lauren was so helpful getting us in touch with Meg who might be able to reach Dr. Buist for us.. Meg talked to Dr. Buist who was out of town and gave us advice on what to do. We went to ER and they did CT Scans and everything checked out good. ER Dr put sutures in his mouth. My husband was hurting so bad. As soon as Dr. Buist was able to see him my husband didn't even have to get out of the car and he and his staff were so concerned about him they came to the car to look at him in the parking lot. The Dr. said he needed to have the Oral Surgeon pull the teeth. Meg helped us get an earlier appt. than what we were able to do on our own. Dr. Buist, Lauren, and Meg really care about their patients. They are all wonderful. Jennifer my husband's dental hygienist even came out to the car to speak to my husband and tell him how sorry she was he got hurt. Everyone that works in that office are great. Even the front desk staff were helping us sign up for a dental plan to help us save on cost of dental and oral surgery procedures. And are we glad we did now. It really is helping us now with everything we are faced with since my husband's fall and his dental problems. I would highly recommend this Dental Practice to everyone.
Velma Harvey
2 years ago
The absolute best!!!
Jay Aiken
2 years ago
We have FINALLY found the ideal dentist! And Lauren is perfect!
Amanda Williams
2 years ago
We were called and offered sooner appointments when they received cancellations. Lauren is a patient and meticulous hygienist. She listens and communicates concerns with you and Dr. Buist. Dr. Buist is professional yet down to earth. Awesome visit from start to finish!
Thomas Mitchell Sr
2 years ago
Most fun I've ever had at a Dentist.
Max Stroman
2 years ago
Really can't say anything bad about Dr. Buist and his staff. I've been going to him for many many years. They are very nice & courteous!!!
Linda Means
2 years ago
My husband and I having been going to Dr. Buist for years on the recommendation of a friend. She was right ... he is the best. He and his staff (Kim, Meg, Lauren, and all the others) go over and beyond to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Dr. Buist talks to you as if you are a family member and treats you like he would treat a member of his family. He is pain-free and goes overboard to accommodate your individual needs. He knows you and your family and always asks about them and other areas of your life that he knows about, making you feel like he cares. You are definitely not a number in his office. The entire staff treats you the same way. You are never a bother to them. Truly the best of the best on all accounts.
Sandra Paananen
2 years ago
Dr. Buist and his staff are all very efficient and pleasant. Immediately on entering, you are put at ease and comfortable. Their precautions and procedures due to Covid are exemplary! I am extremely happy with the level of care and professionalism of this dentistry.
mel Randall
2 years ago
This has always been my favorite dentist, they've always been amazing. I called today, told them I need a cleaning, but that more importantly I'm also in extreme immediate pain due to another issue and asked when I could be seen and they told me it would be September, 4 months from now. Could barely make it through the weekend with this pain, u want me to wait till September??!!! Not helpful in the slightest. Thank you for nothing.
Bonnie Brazell (Ray)
2 years ago
I didn't see a dentist for far too long after being traumatized by another in the area, but Buist Dental did such a great job at making me enjoy going to the dentist again! All of the staff is extremely courteous and friendly, and any concerns or worries you may have, they LISTEN to you. They also aren't rough at handling you like my previous dentist has been. Love, love, love this facility and I'm so happy to have found a dentist I can trust. If you're not using Buist Dental, you're wrong!
Felix Arroyo
2 years ago
Excellent services (fast, painless, job gets done, flexible schedule, experience, plethora of technologies, and great financing). Wonderful and caring people. Kim, Meghan, Jennifer and the rest are tremendous. And soon a new tiger will join the team promising great services to the community for decades to come. Plus they are connected to other great oral surgeons in the area for referral. Conveniently located. Please keep this office in mind when facing dental problems, dental maintenance, and inconveniences from others.
Mike Lupfer
3 years ago
I've been going to Buist Dental for many years, and the 40 minute drive from Aiken is well worth it. Not only is Dr. Buist a first-class dentist at the top of his field, but the staff treat you like family! They give the phrase, "Above and Beyond", a new meaning! A sign in Jennifer's office says it all, "Make someone smile today!" Mike Lupfer
Sandra Paananen
3 years ago
Dr. Buist and his staff are all very efficient and pleasant. Immediately on entering, you are put at ease and comfortable. Their precautions and procedures due to Covid are exemplary! I am extremely happy with the level of care and professionalism of this dentistry.
Ron
3 years ago
My wife and I "enjoyed" our treatment by Lauren & Jennifer (hygienists) and Dr, Buist. The examination & cleaning was VERY thorough and extremely considerate of our comfort and needs. A dental experience that we actually look forward to attending. Highly recommended on all levels.
Roberta Quinn
3 years ago
My first visit & was very impressed with the staff & service. The hygienist, Jennifer was great, very personable & did an excellent job, Dr. Buist was friendly & professional making me feel very confident in the care I received
Bonnie Brazell (Ray)
3 years ago
I didn't see a dentist for far too long after being traumatized by another in the area, but Buist Dental did such a great job at making me enjoy going to the dentist again! All of the staff is extremely courteous and friendly, and any concerns or worries you may have, they LISTEN to you. They also aren't rough at handling you like my previous dentist has been. Love, love, love this facility and I'm so happy to have found a dentist I can trust. If you're not using Buist Dental, you're wrong!
Max Stroman
3 years ago
Really can't say anything bad about Dr. Buist and his staff. I've been going to him for many many years. They are very nice & courteous!!!
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