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 4.6 out of 5 based on 29 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestSteph
2 years ago
I went there today as a new patient couldn't be happier with the level Of service , short wait time , the patience of explaining my options and the staff there were friendly and knowledgeable. Above and beyond would recommend for anyone that is scared of dentist . Thank you
Dawnyell Rene
2 years ago
Working 9-5, what a way to make a living. Although I would suggest one day for the working crew to get their dental taking care of. Just a suggestion. Live you, Dr. CHA and your staff. Always top notch!
Samuel Davis
2 years ago
Dr. Cha has been my dentist for a number of years. His professionalism, customer service, enforcement of Cov-id pandemic protocol, ensure a positive experience. The end result is no pain and a healthy teeth. Thank you Dr. CHA for my smile.
Shalise Smith
2 years ago
Dr. Cha is very knowledgeable and personable- been coming to this office for 15+ years.
Jaime Alconero
2 years ago
(Translated by Google) I don't know why they worry about giving me anesthesia and then they don't give me a prescription for the pain, it's 1:53 and I can't sleep because of my wisdom tooth, and I told them: give me for the pain, (Original) No se por que razon se preocupan de darme anestesia y luego no me dan una receta para el dolor son las 1:53 y no puedo dormir por la muela del juicio , y se lo dije : dame para el dolor ,
Shalise Smith
3 years ago
Dr. Cha is very knowledgeable and personable- been coming to this office for 15+ years.
Jaime Alconero
3 years ago
(Translated by Google) I don't know why they worry about giving me anesthesia and then they don't give me a prescription for the pain, it's 1:53 and I can't sleep because of my wisdom tooth, and I told them: give me for the pain, (Original) No se por que razon se preocupan de darme anestesia y luego no me dan una receta para el dolor son las 1:53 y no puedo dormir por la muela del juicio , y se lo dije : dame para el dolor ,
Diamond Thompson
4 years ago
DR. Cha is one of the Best Dentist in the World. He treats all his Patients with Respect and Kindness. Very professional. He is very dedicated to his profession and provides some of the best care in Baltimore City. Kersidra
Mimi Senghor
4 years ago
Dr cha is very knowledgeable and great with saving your teeth
Diamond Thompson
5 years ago
DR. Cha is one of the Best Dentist in the World. He treats all his Patients with Respect and Kindness. Very professional. He is very dedicated to his profession and provides some of the best care in Baltimore City. Kersidra
Mimi Senghor
5 years ago
Dr cha is very knowledgeable and great with saving your teeth
Joanne Barrow
5 years ago
I had a cleaning done today and Dr. Melissa Lin checked me. They were great! Small family style clinic. There was no wait and this was the best experience I have had at a dentistry.
Lisa Imbraguglio
5 years ago
This office is awfully quick to turn you down for services before even verifying that they actually take your insurance. Watch out as they will just as quickly convey they could care less about their error. Hopefully their administration and professionalism improves, as they don't mind clearly letting you know they have no cares for being negligent during a simple insurance verification process. They won't be wasting my time ever again.
Patricia Parrott
6 years ago
I've been a patient for about a year. I was always fearful of going to the dentist and went when it was absolutely necessary, however since visiting these dentist I'm more comfortable. Dr. Cha and Dr. LIn are amazing.
Joanne Barrow
6 years ago
I had a cleaning done today and Dr. Melissa Lin checked me. They were great! Small family style clinic. There was no wait and this was the best experience I have had at a dentistry.
Lisa Imbraguglio
6 years ago
This office is awfully quick to turn you down for services before even verifying that they actually take your insurance. Watch out as they will just as quickly convey they could care less about their error. Hopefully their administration and professionalism improves, as they don't mind clearly letting you know they have no cares for being negligent during a simple insurance verification process. They won't be wasting my time ever again.
Patricia Parrott
6 years ago
I've been a patient for about a year. I was always fearful of going to the dentist and went when it was absolutely necessary, however since visiting these dentist I'm more comfortable. Dr. Cha and Dr. LIn are amazing.
Mary S.
7 years ago
Best place ever......
H
7 years ago
Dr. Cha was very informative and listened to my concerns! He is very personable and made me feel comfortable. The work he did on my teeth is awesome! I'm definitely going back and would refer anyone!
Daisy Johnson
7 years ago
Friendly and efficient dentist with compassionate understanding of healtcare realities.
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