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 4.9 out of 5 based on 31 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestKarla N
a year ago
Wish I could give more than 5 stars. As I told Dr Bobby, "I wish I had found them years ago" With me the word Dental is always followed by drama. I have issues with being able to stay numb while being worked on. Other Dentists have just seen it as an annoyance and made sure I knew it, or just went on as if I was still numb. Dr Bobby listened and made sure I didn't have that issue. For the first time ever I stayed numb for 30 mins. I never ever thought I would say I was looking forward to my next visit. I can honestly say, I am look forward to my next appointment without the anxiety I have dealt with for 20 plus years. Thank you Dr Bobby and your staff for making this happen.
susan waite
a year ago
Dr. Ciric, as well as the ENTIRE Ciric Family Dentistry, go out of their way to ensure a "Trip To The Dentist" is a Professional and Relaxing Medical Experience for their Clients.
Dan Lawlor
2 years ago
Always on time; friendly and accommodating staff; great hygienist, Kelly: Dr. Ciric is extremely knowledgeable and accessible; 5 stars!
Mirza Dizdarevic
2 years ago
This dental office is a place that I've been coming to as a kid. Moving around town, I had to choose other offices to work with. I am glad I am back where my dentist knows me well. The attention to detail in this office is great! Happy to be back! Thank you Dr. Ciric!
Carolyn Bescript
2 years ago
Everyone is so friendly and timely.
Julie Vockell
2 years ago
Love Bobby and his Team. Always a good experience. I definitely recommend them!
Linda Vacca
2 years ago
I have been coming to the Ciric dental practice for decades. I am very pleased with my service..
Mary Robinson
2 years ago
Always a pleasure to visit this dental practice. Bobby Ciric fitted me with a perfectly aligned platinum crown after two previous crowns done by other dentists on the same tooth failed. His office staff are all warm, friendly, courteous, and professional. Dental assistants and hygienists provide up to date, excellent services.
Kenneth Akel
2 years ago
Dr. Ciric is the best dentist in town.
Josephine Hale
2 years ago
Had a good visit with the doctors and office staff.
Mike Sundberg
2 years ago
Great, very thorough
r vicente
2 years ago
Dr. Ciric and his staff are terrific. They take very good care of myself and my family, and have for years now. I really wouldn't go anywhere else. They're #1.
steven kimbell
2 years ago
Friendly and they keep their appointment times.
Anntonette Norris
2 years ago
I've been going to Ciric family dentistry since the 90's, love the staff. Inviting atmosphere, they have kept my smile gorgeous!!
Victoria Duda
2 years ago
Been using Ciric Dentistry for about 8 years now and they were initially recommended by a coworker. Staff is wonderful and friendly. My recent cleaning with x-rays was done in 45 minutes. They are always ready for me on time or a little early. When I had crowns redone Dr. Ciric made them in the office and it was done in 1 visit.
Raul Michael Torres
3 years ago
Dr Ciric is just fantastic. His staff is very professional and efficient
Boris Petrovic
3 years ago
Fast and enjoyable service. Dr. Ciric is well experienced and knowledgeable. The price for my crown was better than the price my previous dentists quoted.
Kenneth Akel
3 years ago
Dr. Ciric is the best dentist in town.
Mike Sundberg
3 years ago
Great, very thorough
Victoria Duda
3 years ago
Been using Ciric Dentistry for about 8 years now and they were initially recommended by a coworker. Staff is wonderful and friendly. My recent cleaning with x-rays was done in 45 minutes. They are always ready for me on time or a little early. When I had crowns redone Dr. Ciric made them in the office and it was done in 1 visit.
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