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 3.4 out of 5 based on 38 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMorning Star
a year ago
I always appreciate them.
Alesha Hartwig-Bunting
2 years ago
Horrible customer service. New customer and didn't even make an appointment after I received attitude from the lady that answered the phone. Learn how to talk to people- you are also the face of the company you work for.
Alexandar Thompson
2 years ago
The staff are fantastic!! My hygienist was super friendly and made me at ease, she was making me laugh through the whole appointment! Very clean and safe place. They answered all of my questions and gave me some great advice. I definitely recommend coming here for dental work!
Sean Demers
2 years ago
Horrible experience they like to switch up on you last minute. Done it twice with me in the chair and they numb me up. Then the main dentist likes to switch it up and say she can only do this today. Made my appointments later in the day so it could make it valid. It's beyond me. Was going to take two appointments just to do a root canal. Then another appointment to do the crown. If you don't have the time. Then don't have me come in so late! Hopefully my insurance doesn't get charged the whole 1000$ coverage I have. For a half done root canal. Never have I ever felt uncomfortable at a dentist this is one of them times.
aj white
2 years ago
I had the best experience from the time I made a appointment till the time I walked out the door. Markita was very sweet when she called me to make sure I knew what time to be there. And the front desk staff was awesome and very helpful I had many questions and they had many answers even some to question I didnt think to ask. My dentist Hanna and his assistant Shannon was very kind I may even say the best dentist I have been to didnt feel any painat all. And don't get me started on Brittney the Hygienist I was so scared when walking in and she just took all that away they are very good at there job and I just wanted them to know how good of a job they are doing and how much I appreciate what they are doing thank you so much
Soul Baby
2 years ago
The staff here is AWESOME!! The front desk people are so very nice, helpful and knowledgeable! Shannon the dental assistant I had was SOO understanding, easy to talk to, just a really down to earth person, she really put me at ease. I honestly couldn't ask for a better experience with such great dental staff! I'd give more stars if I could!
Susan Arnold
2 years ago
The dentist is great! However, Makita, the woman at the front desk is incredibly rude and refuses to let you speak to anyone above her. My hope in leaving this review is to get a response from her supervisor.
Soul Baby
3 years ago
The staff here is AWESOME!! The front desk people are so very nice, helpful and knowledgeable! Shannon the dental assistant I had was SOO understanding, easy to talk to, just a really down to earth person, she really put me at ease. I honestly couldn't ask for a better experience with such great dental staff! I'd give more stars if I could!
Jonathan O'Shaughnessy
3 years ago
Dr L. is very detailed and complete with her work. Office staff is amazing! Will come back for further work.
Kamika Williams
3 years ago
Horrible CUSTOMER SERVICE!
Kiki
3 years ago
Quick in and out restoring crown. They were pretty busy when I arrived. Plus they have an elevator for people who can't use stairs. Staff was informative and kind.
Garyl Swindlehurst
3 years ago
Great denist and staff !!!am thankful for!!!
Garyl Swindlehurst
4 years ago
Great denist and staff !!!am thankful for!!!
Kamika Williams
4 years ago
Horrible CUSTOMER SERVICE!
Jonathan O'Shaughnessy
4 years ago
Dr L. is very detailed and complete with her work. Office staff is amazing! Will come back for further work.
Kiki
4 years ago
Quick in and out restoring crown. They were pretty busy when I arrived. Plus they have an elevator for people who can't use stairs. Staff was informative and kind.
Rachel K
4 years ago
Staff is friendly and very helpful.
Dashayla Webster
4 years ago
HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE!!! Every time I make an appointment they change my appointment to a tile and date that they want!!!! Very unprofessional!!!!!
Jenkins, Wyatt & Co
4 years ago
Very friendly staff.. love the ladies at the front desk.
Kelly Stevens
4 years ago
If you would like a competent dentist, go somewhere else!
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