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 52 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestantqKT
a year ago
I have been with Dr. Joseph's practice for years. He and his staff are very informative and treat each patient with the utmost care. It is my experience that this practice doesn't overbook. There is a thriving hygienist staff each of whom strive for perfection in their job. Sometimes it takes a little longer if they detect a problem area, but everyone is afforded the same personalized care. Dr. Joseph likewise, is an artist and perfectionist. He strives to complete every procedure so the patient has the best outcome possible. I recently had bridge and crown procedures where hidden from xray problems occurred. Dr. Joseph did his best to complete work on other patients while my mouth rested before the next steps on my procedures. Everyone was served in a timely manner, and any delays are explained and apologized for, and, if necessary, options given. I for one am happy that he takes such care and has a "get it done properly the first time" and at a reasonable cost, mode of operation. I highly recommend this practice to everyone.
Miguel Quijote
2 years ago
Very professional and friendly. I am very happy with them
Rajinder Thakur
2 years ago
Dental Hygienists are very professional and do an excellent job. Dr Joseph a very fine individual, gives you a great advise.
Shannon Cline
2 years ago
Been going here for years. The entire staff is fabulous!
Tim New
2 years ago
First visit. Everyone was friendly, conscientious and professional. They treated me like family (but better in some cases). I was impressed by the whole experience.
Kim Knisely
2 years ago
Our family has been going here since 2007 and even when we moved to Ponte Vedra Beach we still decided to stay with Dr. Joseph. They are all very friendly and professional and great people. Highly recommended!
Jennifer Krovitch
2 years ago
So thankful to have found this place! My husband and I both go to Dr. Joseph now and actually don't dread going to the dentist. No shady sales tactics trying to push all these expensive cosmetic treatments on you. Simply professional, clear, friendly, and genuine care from Dr. Joseph and his team.
Margaret Reneau
2 years ago
Best experience today, proper efficient check in and check out staff and the Hygienist was gentle and thorough. Love Dr. Joseph!
steve allen
2 years ago
Fantastic. Always professional and very thorough!
C. Eric Leonetti
2 years ago
Megan did a great job. Quick, complete and efficient
Robert Drury
2 years ago
Everyone in this office is polite, professional, and efficient. They make everything seem easier and I can go there with confidence.
Lauren D
2 years ago
This dentist had caused me pain after years of him treating me. Two root canals and one extraction later by a completely different doctor I'm finally pain free. Please avoid this dentist at all costs. So many mistakes made by Dr Joseph and I've had to suffer financially and physically due to the amount of botched dentistry this man had done to my teeth. Unbelievable there are so many good reviews. Stay clear of this dentist please. You will pay for his mistakes later on down the road.
James Perry
2 years ago
Everyone is supper nice and very professional. Dr. Joseph's attention to detail is incredible. He always takes the time needed and does things very precisely. I've never felt any discomfort with Dr. Joseph or any of his hygienists. I definitely recommend!
Rachel Latta
2 years ago
Wonderful office! Everyone was kind and helpful. Dr. Joseph and the assistants did a great job making me feel comfortable. He's honest and that is a HUGE deal for me. I didn't feel like he was trying to do unnecessary work. I feel relieved to have finally found a dentist office I can trust.
Lindsay Boyd
2 years ago
I just had the best experience with Dr. Joseph. I chipped my front tooth and they fit me in same day. They fixed my tooth and I can't tell you how grateful I am for that. Great patient experience and they have gained a new patient. Thank you!!
Flo Riggie
2 years ago
I just spent 3 hours in the chair and it wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. Let's face it, dental procedures are not fun but this really wasn't so bad. And I'm a wimp! Would recommend "Dr Joe" and his staff to anybody
Kelly Kenney
2 years ago
Dr Joseph does not respond to requests for communication in a timely manner. I found him rather neurotic and his tone was uncalled for in any business dealings I had with him. I would recommend staying clear of this business. My experiences with this individual has not been pleasant.
Richard Bush
2 years ago
Very proficient and concerns for detail.
James Perry
3 years ago
Everyone is supper nice and very professional. Dr. Joseph's attention to detail is incredible. He always takes the time needed and does things very precisely. I've never felt any discomfort with Dr. Joseph or any of his hygienists. I definitely recommend!
Kelly Kenney
3 years ago
Dr Joseph does not respond to requests for communication in a timely manner. I found him rather neurotic and his tone was uncalled for in any business dealings I had with him. I would recommend staying clear of this business. My experiences with this individual has not been pleasant.
Load more