Typically the maxillary (top) teeth rest just outside of the mandibular (bottom) teeth. When a cross bite occurs, the top tooth/teeth rest inside the bottom teeth. This problem is caused by a narrowing of the roof of the mouth which can be genetic but more typically is a result of a non-nutritive sucking habit.
A cross bite can lead to asymmetric growth of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) and/or the face. This unfavorable growth will not be compensated for at a later age and is more difficult to treat as the child gets older. To address this issue, our doctors may refer your child to a local orthodontist or recommend treatment in our office.
Many children suffer from teeth crowding. This occurs when there is a lack of space to accommodate the permanent dentition. Permanent teeth are generally 3x larger than primary (baby) teeth.
If a child suffers from crowding, their oral hygiene can also suffer, putting them at a higher risk for cavities. To address this issue, our doctors may refer your child to a local orthodontist or recommend treatment in our office.
Typically the primary teeth guide the eruption process for the permanent teeth. However, not all permanent teeth fall into the correct position.
This is most common for permanent molars and canines. It is important to closely monitor your child’s growth and development with the use of radiographs to avoid long-term effects of ectopic eruption such as premature loss of neighboring primary teeth or damage to neighboring permanent teeth. To address this issue, our doctors may refer your child to a local orthodontist or recommend treatment in our office.