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 24 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestshareignia Pugh
2 years ago
Amazing staff, patient & kind
Sara Coon
2 years ago
I was apprehensive how my child with special needs would react during a dental check-up but every member of the staff is so kind and patient - taking the time to explain the process and address any concerns has made each and every visit a genuinely positive experience with very brief wait times. If you're looking for a dentist office for your child that will encourage good practices later in life, THIS is the place.
Monay Bagley
2 years ago
A lady was really rude and belittling a patient about her son. I will never recommend this place. If you don't like your job why the hell are you there.
Sara Coon
3 years ago
I was apprehensive how my child with special needs would react during a dental check-up but every member of the staff is so kind and patient - taking the time to explain the process and address any concerns has made each and every visit a genuinely positive experience with very brief wait times. If you're looking for a dentist office for your child that will encourage good practices later in life, THIS is the place.
keller strandberg
3 years ago
we love dr miller's dentist office! everyone there is so kind, starting with the team members who check you in at the front door. the entire staff is so patient and reassuring - they truly treat you like family. the office is incredibly welcoming and efficient. my 3 and 5 year old boys get so excited for their dentist appointments! we are so thankful for dr miller's entire team!
Brooks Norris
3 years ago
My son who is 3 just finished with his first dentist appointment and we could not be happier with the overall experience we had with Mrs. Miller's office. The dental techs were first class and really showed care and patience with my little boy. They laughed with them and had him so comfortable as they talked him through each step. Please consider taking your child here before going to a regular (local) dentist office.. I have heard and seen a child screaming to the top of their lungs in the office I used to go to all while the dentist was complaining about having to work on small children as he roughed his way through it. This clinic experience today was truly refreshing to see and without a doubt they make it a better experience for the child and worrying adult.. give them a call and give your little buddy the best you can. -Chris
keller strandberg
4 years ago
we love dr miller's dentist office! everyone there is so kind, starting with the team members who check you in at the front door. the entire staff is so patient and reassuring - they truly treat you like family. the office is incredibly welcoming and efficient. my 3 and 5 year old boys get so excited for their dentist appointments! we are so thankful for dr miller's entire team!
Selena Ortega
4 years ago
I just called to set up an appointment to schedule my son's second cleaning, and the lady who I just spoke with was amazing. She told me everything I needed to know and was so sweet. Can't wait to come in and have them meet my son !
Brooks Norris
4 years ago
My son who is 3 just finished with his first dentist appointment and we could not be happier with the overall experience we had with Mrs. Miller's office. The dental techs were first class and really showed care and patience with my little boy. They laughed with them and had him so comfortable as they talked him through each step. Please consider taking your child here before going to a regular (local) dentist office.. I have heard and seen a child screaming to the top of their lungs in the office I used to go to all while the dentist was complaining about having to work on small children as he roughed his way through it. This clinic experience today was truly refreshing to see and without a doubt they make it a better experience for the child and worrying adult.. give them a call and give your little buddy the best you can. -Chris
Courtney Strickland
4 years ago
Had a great experience taking our children to the Dentist for their first check ups! Staff was extremely friendly, informative and made sure our children were comfortable with each step during their visit.
Michelle Hopkins
4 years ago
Love this office and the staff. We've been going to this office 16 yrs. Everyone from the front staff to the back staff has always been so polite. They know their stuff. We wouldn't go anywhere else!!!!
Jessica Hickman
4 years ago
What an amazing Team!!! Everytime we go to the dentist it's such a great experience!... What a change of perception from years ago of "nooooo, not the dentist, it's scary", to "YAAAY, I'M EXCITED TO GO, I LOVE THE DENTIST, THAT WAS FUN MOMMY"!!! THANK YOU to "All" (from the time you enter until the time you exit the doors) at Dr.Millers/Courts office!!!!
Selena Ortega
4 years ago
I just called to set up an appointment to schedule my son's second cleaning, and the lady who I just spoke with was amazing. She told me everything I needed to know and was so sweet. Can't wait to come in and have them meet my son !
Courtney Strickland
5 years ago
Had a great experience taking our children to the Dentist for their first check ups! Staff was extremely friendly, informative and made sure our children were comfortable with each step during their visit.
Michelle Hopkins
5 years ago
Love this office and the staff. We've been going to this office 16 yrs. Everyone from the front staff to the back staff has always been so polite. They know their stuff. We wouldn't go anywhere else!!!!
Jessica Hickman
5 years ago
What an amazing Team!!! Everytime we go to the dentist it's such a great experience!... What a change of perception from years ago of "nooooo, not the dentist, it's scary", to "YAAAY, I'M EXCITED TO GO, I LOVE THE DENTIST, THAT WAS FUN MOMMY"!!! THANK YOU to "All" (from the time you enter until the time you exit the doors) at Dr.Millers/Courts office!!!!
Jason Hypes
5 years ago
Great staff. My kids love going there. Great group of ladies there. Dr Courts and Dr Miller are great!
Jason Hypes
6 years ago
Great staff. My kids love going there. Great group of ladies there. Dr Courts and Dr Miller are great!
Shaleena Brooks
6 years ago
This dentist office is THE WORST DENTIST OFFICE IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. VERY UNPROFFESIONAL THE SCHEDULE COORDINATOR IS ONE OF THE RUDEST MOST RACIST WOMAN I EVER MET. I HAVE A 6 YR OLD CHILD WHO IS ALSO AUTISTIC THAT WAS IN SEVERE PAIN FROM A CRACKED CAVITY THAT NEEDED TO BE REMOVED. THEY REFUSED TO SEE FOR OVER A MONTH NEVER CALLED TO SCHEDUAL HER APPOINTMENT AND WHEN I CALLED I COULD NEVER EVER GET THROUGH. UNTIL FINALLY THE COORDINATOR JUST TOLD ME THEY DNT CARE HOW MUCH PAIN SHE IS IN THEY WILL NOT SEE HER I WOULDNT TAKE A DEAD RELATIVE MY DOG CAT OR NOTHING ELSE TO FRANK J COURTZ HIM AND HIS OFFICE IS THE EPICENTER FOR UNPROFESSIONALISM.
Kristie Richardson
6 years ago
I have had a great experience Bringing my kids to Dr courts Office. They seem to be happy on each visit and that makes me happy. A beautiful smile goes a long way. Dr courts has aa great staff that answers my questions with a smile. I highly recommend for parents to bring their kids here.
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