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 4.5 out of 5 based on 54 reviews
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newest oldest highest loweststephen McDanal
a year ago
Excellent. Efficient, professional & courteous.
Homer Brown
a year ago
Always a very PROFESSIONAL atmosphere!!!
Samarow Bowens
2 years ago
Dr. Vishnu's office is a clean and upscale office. She and her staff are friendly and professional. They make sure you are comfortable and relaxed.
Richard Plaskett
2 years ago
Although many people dread going to the dentist for their own reasons, even in an emergency situation, I have been going to Dr. Vishnu's office for 20 years. I am always been treated promptly, courteously, kindly, and very professionally. This all-female office is a great group of professionals who really care, and show it continuously!
roland lewis
2 years ago
perfect as always a perfect staff never had a company..always haps when I leave and comming for my appointment.. thanks sooo much always happy when leave excellent work a perfect 10 thanks
Frances Evans
2 years ago
Great as always.
Jerry McDanal
2 years ago
Dr. Vishnu, staff, facility, equipment, etc. are the best. Always a positive and quality experience.
Jessica Smiley
2 years ago
Staff is always so nice!
angela wilson
2 years ago
Clean, calming office setting. Outstanding dental assistant who did a great job with my cleaning. Dr. Vishnu takes her time if you have any questions. She and her staff are so customer service oriented and you can hum to the "Grease" soundtrack while you're in the chair!
Meagan Manning
2 years ago
It was my first visit with Dr. Vishnu and I will say, BEST EXPERIENCE IVE HAD. She was very thorough with everything and guided me along the procedure I was having that day, along with her very well practiced assistant. I needed some work done from a previous accident I had, I got it taken care of years ago. Then my pieces of my teeth that were attached back gradually were falling off. In just one visit she made me feel COMFORTABLE, like a I can smile again, in ONE visit. In my opinion, what I noticed about Dr. Vishnu was that I was in the right hands. She is detailed which is very important to me especially when it comes to your smile and more. Once again, Thank you Dr. Vishnu, I'll see you soon !!
Swagata Mukherjee
2 years ago
We visited Dr. Vishnu's practice recently. My mother-in-law had to see someone on an urgent basis. She was visiting us from India and did not have a dentist she knew around. Dr. Vishnu was kind enough to see her in the middle of the pandemic, without prior history of visit. She went out of her way to see us on a weekend. She was extremely professional, kind, and went out of her way to see my mom-in-law. Her practice was extremely clean, hygienic, and state-of-the-art. I really enjoyed the cordial and homely atmosphere there. I would recommend her to anyone I know in the area. Overall, I have been overwhelmed by her kind gestures and sweetness.
Estelle Donaldson
2 years ago
Dr. Vishnu and her staff are consummate professionals. They make what many people dread, an enjoyable experience.
Morris Wilson
2 years ago
Excellent staff and service!
Handsome Green
2 years ago
Doctor Vishnu and her staff are outstanding providers. She and her staff are cordial and professional. I really appreciate the personal attention given me in diagnosing and treating my dental issue. I will also call and make an appointment for my wife for her dental needs. I recommend Doctor Vishnu without any reservation for your dental needs.
stephen McDanal
3 years ago
Excellent. Efficient, professional & courteous.
Estelle Donaldson
3 years ago
Dr. Vishnu and her staff are consummate professionals. They make what many people dread, an enjoyable experience.
Latosha Mallory
3 years ago
This office has been very inconsistent and inconsiderate with my time and work schedule, as well as, my teenage son's school schedule. In a two week time frame we had 3 appointments canceled last minute by the dental office. It is understood that the doctor is human and things happen BUT 3 canceled appointments is ridiculous. The receptionist didn't even offer an apology. When told I would find another dentist, she said "Ok, that's fine!" Clearly this dentist is not in need of patients with that kind of response and not worth my time, money or BCBS benefits!!!
Swagata Mukherjee
3 years ago
We visited Dr. Vishnu's practice recently. My mother-in-law had to see someone on an urgent basis. She was visiting us from India and did not have a dentist she knew around. Dr. Vishnu was kind enough to see her in the middle of the pandemic, without prior history of visit. She went out of her way to see us on a weekend. She was extremely professional, kind, and went out of her way to see my mom-in-law. Her practice was extremely clean, hygienic, and state-of-the-art. I really enjoyed the cordial and homely atmosphere there. I would recommend her to anyone I know in the area. Overall, I have been overwhelmed by her kind gestures and sweetness.
Morris Wilson
3 years ago
Excellent staff and service!
EEC Radar
3 years ago
(Translated by Google) Even a star is a waste. Because of the circumstances of the staff or dentist, the reservation time is not kept. The reason why I came to this place was that the high genist was a very sincere and meticulous person, but I retired with him earlier this year. I hope you will be more professional. I sincerely shine. (Original) byeol hanado aggaun gos ibnida . seutebina cigwayi yi sajeongeuro yeyagsiganeun jikyeojiji anhneun anilhan taedoro yeongeobhaneun gos, geunama caceun iyuneun haijeniseuteuga ggwae seongsilhago ggomggomhan bunisyeossneunde geubungwa olcoe euntoehasyeosseoyo. jom deo peuropesyeoneolhan jasero imhasigil barabnida. jinsim bicuhabnida.
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