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 24 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMaggie McReynolds
2 years ago
I have a sensitive mouth and this is the only dental office I have been to that my cleanings and dental work haven't given me any pain! They are great! I love that Dr Larson can make my crowns while I am waiting. No second visit required!!
James Bunting
2 years ago
Traveling through town for a week, wanted to see a dentist for a cleaning. Don was "always taking new patients" but unwilling to schedule a simple cleaning -- needed to do a bunch of expensive x-rays first. Pass.
Kayla Garnet Rose PhD
2 years ago
I have been a patient of Dr. Don for about 25 years. His staff is wonderful, the office is clean, and my teeth are always well taken cared for. I recently worked with Jessica as my hygienist, who did an excellent job!
Helen Rossiter
2 years ago
I have been bringing my family to this office for over ten years now. Even though now we have moved across the country, we still go to Dr. Larson for all our dental needs. Recently we drove from the Carolinas to California and they made sure we could get in for our cleaning appointments while we were there. They went above and beyond when we needed some extra appointments for a cracked tooth they found and made sure we could get everything done while we were there for the week. We were in good hands as Sandra coordinated everything between insurance and the visits we needed to ensure we didn't have to worry about anything. I will continue to make the trip to see Dr. Larson any time we need a dentist visit. I have always been impressed by their professionalism and Dr. Larson always goes above and beyond to ensure your comfort. His skills are exceptional! Sandra helps with any insurance questions you may have and works hard to make sure you can get an appointment when you need it no matter the circumstances! I can not recommend them enough!
Kayla Garnet Rose PhD
3 years ago
I have been a patient of Dr. Don for about 25 years. His staff is wonderful, the office is clean, and my teeth are always well taken cared for. I recently worked with Jessica as my hygienist, who did an excellent job!
Helen Rossiter
3 years ago
I have been bringing my family to this office for over ten years now. Even though now we have moved across the country, we still go to Dr. Larson for all our dental needs. Recently we drove from the Carolinas to California and they made sure we could get in for our cleaning appointments while we were there. They went above and beyond when we needed some extra appointments for a cracked tooth they found and made sure we could get everything done while we were there for the week. We were in good hands as Sandra coordinated everything between insurance and the visits we needed to ensure we didn't have to worry about anything. I will continue to make the trip to see Dr. Larson any time we need a dentist visit. I have always been impressed by their professionalism and Dr. Larson always goes above and beyond to ensure your comfort. His skills are exceptional! Sandra helps with any insurance questions you may have and works hard to make sure you can get an appointment when you need it no matter the circumstances! I can not recommend them enough!
J Singer
3 years ago
We've been going Dr. Larson for decades. We couldn't be happier with the high quality care, up-to-date equipment and reasonable prices. Highly recommended if you're looking for a new dental office.
J Singer
4 years ago
We've been going Dr. Larson for decades. We couldn't be happier with the high quality care, up-to-date equipment and reasonable prices. Highly recommended if you're looking for a new dental office.
Paula Schneider
4 years ago
I've been going to Dr. Larson for over thirty years. He's quite simply-"the best" dentist in Santa Cruz. He's kind, gentle, and caring.
carin chapin
4 years ago
The entire staff is very professional and caring.
Paula Schneider
5 years ago
I've been going to Dr. Larson for over thirty years. He's quite simply-"the best" dentist in Santa Cruz. He's kind, gentle, and caring.
carin chapin
5 years ago
The entire staff is very professional and caring.
Jackie Angelo
5 years ago
Dear People....you want to get a great smile then go see Dr Larson....he and the staff have magnificent smiles and he was able to give me one. So knowledgeble and quite a craftsman.....done with quiet and happy vibes from everyone on the staff....always a pleasure to go see him...it has become like family...thanks for the teeth Jackie Angelo
Daphne Mark
5 years ago
I loved my experience with Dr Larson! The office is beautiful with skylights above the hygienist stations and an indoor water feature in the waiting room. It is a bit chilly in the winter though though, so bring a sweater! Dr. Larson was very kind and charismatic and seems to genuinely care about the overall health of his patients. Because the office is just off downtown it's very convenient, but parking can be a bit of a pain. Book a little extra time to find a place to park and walk or bring quarters to use the nearby parking meters. Shout out to Sandra at the front desk for being so personable and kind!
cece Hershey
6 years ago
I love Dr Larson's office. This last cleaning I had was the gentlest ever! I actually enjoyed it. Thanks so much!
Daphne Mark
6 years ago
I loved my experience with Dr Larson! The office is beautiful with skylights above the hygienist stations and an indoor water feature in the waiting room. It is a bit chilly in the winter though though, so bring a sweater! Dr. Larson was very kind and charismatic and seems to genuinely care about the overall health of his patients. Because the office is just off downtown it's very convenient, but parking can be a bit of a pain. Book a little extra time to find a place to park and walk or bring quarters to use the nearby parking meters. Shout out to Sandra at the front desk for being so personable and kind!
Jackie Angelo
6 years ago
Dear People....you want to get a great smile then go see Dr Larson....he and the staff have magnificent smiles and he was able to give me one. So knowledgeble and quite a craftsman.....done with quiet and happy vibes from everyone on the staff....always a pleasure to go see him...it has become like family...thanks for the teeth Jackie Angelo
M Pisco
6 years ago
I enjoy each time I saw Don Larson...He is kind and he always has great story to tell. You forget you are at the dentist...Each appointment was an experience. Thank you Don. I can't wait to see you again...You're awesome.
Daniel Feldman
6 years ago
I have been fortunate to have Dr. Larson as my dentist for over 25 years. He is a great dentist who loves his craft. His procedures are painless and of the highest quality. Though my teeth have needed a lot of work over the years, I am confident he has never done anything that was not genuinely necessary. I appreciate that he has continuously embraced new dental technology as an early adapter. When needed, he has always referred me to specialists who are among the best in their respective fields. All of them complimented me on the quality of Dr. Larson's work.
Mike Newman
6 years ago
I've been going to Dr. Don's for about 20 years now and he's changed my life from the perspective of the health of my mouth. I've had several crowns put in and they were done in two hours, beginning to end. When it comes to the health my mouth I trust Dr. Don Larson 100%. All of his dental hygienist are kind and gentle and make going to the dentist is something you look forward to.
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