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 102 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestManda Lu
a year ago
Dr. Laura is truly amazing!! She is very patient and kind. Definitely a dentist to have if you are lookin for a new one.
Ms. Michele Mundy
a year ago
Laura is such an amazing doctor and the staff matches that they're amazing as well
Cheryl Brimstin
2 years ago
Dr has been our dentist for many years. She is very honest and I trust her judgement re any dental work I need. Everyone in the office is great!
King Cotton
2 years ago
Always very pleasant when in the office. Very professional and a very warm staff. Thank you for what you do. Your the best Doctor Laura.
Amanda Ventura
2 years ago
Very knowledgeable and friendly with both adults and kids. Even though my kids have special needs, the staff helps them feel comfortable and relaxed. I am glad I found this place!
Linda Sykes
2 years ago
My experience was awesome, the Doctor was good she explained my procedure, in and out with my new smile. The staff a amazing group of friendly beautiful ladies Brittany recommended this office to me, I'm very pleased she did ,a lovely person
Kim Scheutzow
2 years ago
It was our first time seeing Dr. Laura and not only was she professional and informative, but so friendly! Our hygienist, Michelle, was amazing. She was also friendly, thorough and I learned a few things from her explanations that I had never known.
Deborah Mccloskey
2 years ago
Dr. Laura and her staff are amazing. I called today the office was closed left a message & was called back & she met me at the office and fixed me up on her day off celebrating her birthday she! Thanks so much!
Donald Carey
2 years ago
Dr. Laura is an amazing dentist and her staff especially Andrea are all amazing people. I highly recommend them.
Gwendolyn Handy
2 years ago
Laura Sasic Lalich's Staff is amazing! They are very cordial, caring, professional and knowledgeable. The Dentist on the other hand did not give me a good experience. My lower denture wasn't done correctly, as a result there are sore spots in my mouth. I asked her to fix it, but it hasn't happened as of this date and my messages to her were ignored.
Barbara Villavaso
2 years ago
Very friendly staff. Nice clean office. I felt very comfortable being there. Dr. Laura explained everything in detail. She is very knowledgeable about her work. She also has a charming sense of humor.
Deidre Jackson
2 years ago
Excellent service. Very friendly and great personal care. Excellent workmanship. No worry.
John Dixon
2 years ago
Great atmosphere, great service Dr.Lalich were friendly and gracious also all my options were explained to me going in the future and they even took time out to assist an elderly patient make sure she was able to get in contact with her son to get her ride back home.
Elizabeth Kiss
2 years ago
Dr Laura and her team create an environment where I'm actually sorry to leave the office.
Martin Schranz
2 years ago
I have been going to Dr. Laura for at least the past 25 years. Dr. Laura has continually upgrading her practice. She and her staff are very friendly & professional. Would highly recommend her.
Dwight Hopkins
2 years ago
Always a pleasure of visiting Dr. Lalich and her band of merry fellow dentist followers. Professional and personable. It is like coming home to be with family!
Diane O'Connor
2 years ago
My cleanings are always the best I've ever experienced. The hygenists are wonderful and patient with me and the fact that I am unable to be in a chair that leans back very far. They are very thorough and very professional.
Mary Bucek
2 years ago
Pain free, quality dental care. The entire staff works together efficiently
Brenda J Morgan
2 years ago
The dentist and a hygienist are gentle and informative. The office is clean clean clean. The personalities are great! There's lot of synergy in the office between the staff and the patience! I've been a patient with Dr Laura for over 2 years. So far so good! Go check them out, I think you will be please with the level of care.
Warren Harvey
2 years ago
Dr Laura and Staff are the BEST Dental Facility in the Chicago Land! I receive The Best Service for my Teeth each and Every time I'm there. Precision and Professionalism is always given when I'm there. Thanks Dr. Laura, Andrea and Brittany. Oh I can't forget my Sweet and Beautiful Hygienist . Love you Guys!
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