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 40 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJamecia Grandoit
2 years ago
I love this office for my daughter she's been going since she was 3 she's 5 now but I can't seem to get them otp to schedule an appointment and can't leave voicemails because the mailbox too full
Gia I
2 years ago
Both my kids go there. The office is absolutely stunning immaculate the Dentist is super friendly patient and his team is incredible. I definitely recommend this place. Plus super quick. I love it!!
Alysia Rosario
2 years ago
My kids & I love this dentist. It's a very beautiful location. The Receptionist & dentist are always friendly and the appointments are on time, in & out .
Damaris Suarez
2 years ago
Best Dental office in the area, amazing service my child love it here recommended this place with my eyes closed, staff super nice
Mell TyTy
2 years ago
Pointless to make an appointment, you will be seen whenever they fit you in. Why make an appointment if you're not going to be seen on time; beyond frustrating and time consuming
Mell TyTy
3 years ago
Pointless to make an appointment, you will be seen whenever they fit you in. Why make an appointment if you're not going to be seen on time; beyond frustrating and time consuming
Hobi's holy water
3 years ago
LOVE THEIR STAFF
Kim Laylor
3 years ago
I daughter went from being so traumatize and I'm telling you this place here that I came to oh my God they make her feel so so secure in taking our teeth out I give them a double double double thumbs up
Samorah Brown
3 years ago
The most amazing staff I've ever met great atmosphere great location I would recommend this children's dentistry to every and any one
Deb
3 years ago
This was my first visit here at this office and I must say that I'm very impressed. The receptionist was very friendly and professional. Dr. T made my son's experience very enjoyable. He also loved how he can watch TV while getting his teeth cleaned. The atmosphere is very welcoming and the place is spotless with a beautiful view.
Alicia Williams
3 years ago
The office staff is amazing. The receptionist has great energy and always gives a courtesy call the day before to remind you of your appointment. We were greeted warmly and had our temperatures taken before heading to the back. Every step of our visit was explained to us. The hygienist and the assistant were both fantastic. The dentist and hygienist were both very professional and communicated concerns and recommendations to me. They were also very happy to answer any questions I had. The entire office is clean and clearly follows all new Covid 19 guidelines. I would absolutely recommend this office.
Blvd Dina
3 years ago
The first time in years i have been to a clean professional dental office, the ambiance is comforting! The staff is amazing !! Advanced technology !! The view is just wow!! When I left the office I referred 7 people there !! Dr.T is very professional, he took his time explaining my son x-rays !! Absolutely the best Kids Dental office in Ft.lauderdale!! 10
Debbie Ly
3 years ago
I would give "0" star If I could. This place is a joke and this is the worst dentist I have ever taken my daughters to. He has the worst bedside manner I have ever seen. I took my daughters for a cleaning and regret every day for trusting in such a bad dentist. After the cleaning I checked my daughters teeth to make sure they removed the stains. I saw that they did not even clean what they were supposed to clean and I asked the dentist if he could do it. They took my daughter to another room and while he was removing the stains he hurt my daughters gums. Also, he removed the stains that were only on the front teeth, even after I asked him to remove all of it. What makes me surprised the most is that after the "cleaning" I received a bill where they charged me $30.00 ($60.00 in total for my two daughters) for a " Hygiene Instruction" that they have never received. Nor has any dentist charged me for it. I guess he tries to make money in every way he can, even if it means that he needs to lie about the service that you have never received.
Maria Carolina
3 years ago
Beautiful clinic and great staff :) You can get an appointment quickly! Dr. T is amazing!
Hobi's holy water
3 years ago
LOVE THEIR STAFF
Isabella Castellon
3 years ago
Amazing staff and wonderful view!! Very recommended!!
Joslyn Perez
4 years ago
Highly recommend this place to anyone ! The staff treated my son and I very well . clean and beautiful as well. We can't wait to go back .
Q B
4 years ago
This is an amazing dentistry for kids.The office is very clean and kid friendly.The staff is very professional and welcoming.Dr T made the experience very fun and memorable for my son,he is super excited for his next visit.I highly recommend.
Natividade Innocent
4 years ago
First of all I wanna say thank you to my dental insurance provider for refer me to LAUDERDALE DENTISTRY FOR KIDS LLC.My name is Natividade Innocent I'm a mother of two, this my experience for being there. From January 13 2020 . My daughter Stephanie have being have some pain about a week ago .Has a mother when your kid is sick , you also sick too.I pick my phone and call my assurance provider to refer me to a dentist in my area, i remember they set up my appointment the same day for me with LAUDERDALE DENTISTRY FOR KIDS.We we're greeting by Miss Natalie with a smile.Place is nice , super clean , beautiful inside and out People who work there are so professional , humble. After my daughter XTRAY Dr David Tijerino told me my daughter need a oral surgeon to removed those bad teeth ,and also have infection and a lot of work needs to be done.But first she prescribed me antibiotics for the infection, give me refer for a oral surgeon and told me after done all that to come back to see him for other works done .I called 4 or 6 oral surgeon for emergency appointment, some of them don't work some days , some are not available or some of them are already books. Finally I went to Nova Health, went I get there no one can't take me ,because of my strong ascent is hard for them to understand me.I called my Natalie to speak to the front desk lady for me , to give me a appointment because they are the only one so far can take me. Unfortunately after 2 hours sitting a lot of crying from me ,she called my daughter name. I was crying I was frustrated, I wish I can take her pain , she doesn't sleep for 3 days , I don't sleep for 3 days . After spoke Nova oral surgeon, he told me the best he can do , to schedule a appointment for me until January 29, I even let him speak to Mis Natalie nothing happens. I have to go has a mother watching your kid in pain, and you know there is nothing you can do is not a good position I will reach on any parent.We went home we only hope just to wait on the 29 appointment. Same day I received a text from my Natalie at LAUDERDALE DENTISTRY FOR KIDS, for appointment today Jan 17 at 9 am . I spoke to my daughter , she say mon that okay let wait for the 29 because you already know how hard for you to find a oral surgeon. I said let go see what Dr David is going to tell us.When I found out what they did to have one of my daughter bad tooth to take out , this is only a Doctor with a great heart a Dr who know and understand others pain a Dr who cares enough can do such of miracle. I thank you me personally Dr David Tijerino, Miss Natalie, Mr Giovanni, Miss Charlene, and Mr Edgard for making us feel special. En my daughter behave I thank you Dr David and Miss Natalie. Miss Natalie you are amazing at your job , society need someone professional who like helping people like you thank you for your help because of you and Dr David and the staff my daughter is sleeping now , no more pain , I can sleep and work now.
Ervis Lewis
4 years ago
Amazing dentistry for kids!!! The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and the view is just amazing!!!
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