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 4.0 out of 5 based on 148 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMustafa Elshami
a year ago
Bad experience and not good at all Not recommend at all
Moussa Awada
2 years ago
I did my teeth long time ago they used to have women dr she's the worst
seka fabrice ake
2 years ago
I don't inderstand for put a plumb in my teeth I had already did appointment more time I am coming at your office a lot times they tell me it's not possible it's not serious
Aya Aboudraa
2 years ago
Super clean and specialy doctor sam professional dentist for everything .i am so happy to go at this office .the ladies at front desk so friendly and nice with client .
Veroz222
2 years ago
I had an appointment scheduled for today. I get there and they are closed! No call. No nothing. Very unprofessional! Definitely not how it used to be.
Deanna Richardson
2 years ago
Everyone was so Very Nice and friendly fast service handled my teeth with love
Mab Allhmod
2 years ago
Today they let me wait almost two hours. And one come and talk to me. Some home after me the doctor go visit them and they saw me I have my two kids they can't wait they long and noe one care.After I wait two hours I get up from my seat and go out and tell the front desk to cancel my appointment. And I realize the doctor was change and no one tell me he's change .don't waste your time.
Janis Nichols
2 years ago
Still waiting on my teeth now they don't answer they broke my bottoms then said i had to pay for them
Angie Yassine
2 years ago
Very unprofessional office very dirty they're not straightforward with the client it is disgusting and the staff very rude doctors don't stay there and misrepresent the treatments I went in then have any problem but I wanted a bridge now I have more problems and I need to root canal on top of all the money that I have already paid what the four Bridge they messed up my teeth now I need more work their dentist is very unprofessional not very knowledgeable I wouldn't recommend them
Louis Banks
2 years ago
They are excellent periodt
Ramzeah Jumaa
3 years ago
2-4 hour WAIT after appointment time is ridiculous, SCHEDULING is not well managed at all
hassan rkein
3 years ago
Excellent experience
Andrea White
3 years ago
I made a same day appointment witch was great ... after waiting 30mins I get in the back to wait a total of almost 2hours to only have x-rays done im livid
Linny Clark
3 years ago
I had an emergency called and they told me to come in come to find out that my tooth had been cracked the Dentist was very nice and removed it Ty all for your Awesome care
Dianna Guevara
3 years ago
I've been coming here to this Dentist Office From 2016. The ladies here at the front desk always friendly and make me feel welcome. There is one particular Lady that works the front desk she's the one that goes over your plan with you,, she's always friendly smiling and thorough, Dr.Yazbak, he may be young and he 's nice on the eyes. But all kidding aside he is a good doctor. When I leave the office . I'm satisfied with what I had done for the day
Chelsea Grietsell
3 years ago
No heat a cold filthy office and complete disregard for even general and moderate care. Would be better off doing your own dental work at home. I wouldn't bring mu dog here for care. Completely disgusted no care for patients and wait time over an hr My husband attended and had me on video chat the entire . i saw the space heaters and nastiness of the they are unprofessional
boxintina dirtina (dirtybox)
3 years ago
Friendly place , always give you the best advice. Great work and I'll keep coming back.
AMMAR ALGHAFIL
3 years ago
This is very bad doctor
Issa_Queen
3 years ago
Thank you "ALL" so much for your professionalism, kindness compassion & excellent customer service. You are so appreciated I will see you all soon.
Mary Thomas
3 years ago
The Doctor talks To you while working on your mouth to make sure your OK
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