Pediatric Patients: Early Treatment & Correction of Crossbites

Early diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities can aid patients in achieving the goal of a stable, functional and esthetic occlusion. Treatment of developing malocclusions can have both short-term and long-term benefits while achieving the goals of occlusal harmony, function and dentofacial esthetics.

Management of developing dentition and occlusion as part of a comprehensive oral health care plan in pediatric patients is a best practice assertion and it is essential. Guidance of eruption and development of the primary, mixed and permanent dentitions is thus an integral component of comprehensive oral health care for all pediatric dental patients. Such guidance should and can contribute to the development of a permanent dentition that is in a stable, functional, esthetically acceptable occlusion and normal subsequent dentofacial development.

Before we look at two case examples of early Phase I orthodontic treatment, here are some important things to note about crossbites: