EARLY TREATMENT OF THE POSTERIOR CROSS-BITE: A CASE REPORT

Lee, Eun-M; Kang, Dong-Kyun; Kim, Tae-Wan; Kim, Young-Jin; Nam, Sun-Hyun; Kim, Hyun-Jung

Journal of the Korean Academy of Pediatric Dentistry 2008;35(2):357-366.
Published online May 31, 2008.

EARLY TREATMENT OF THE POSTERIOR CROSS-BITE: A CASE REPORT

Eun-M Lee, Dong-Kyun Kang, Tae-Wan Kim, Young-Jin Kim, Sun-Hyun Nam, Hyun-Jung Kim

Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University

구치부 반대교합의 조기치료에 대한 치험례

이은미, 강동균, 김태완, 김영진, 남순현, 김현정

경북대학교 치과대학 소아치과학교실

Correspondence: Hyun-Jung Kim, Tel: 053-420-5964, Fax: 053-426-6608, Email: lemylove@hanmail.net

Abstract

Posterior cross-bite is a relatively frequent malocclusion in primary and early mixed dentition and the reported prevalence of posterior cross-bite varies from 7% to 23%. It has been defined as a transverse discrepancy in arch relationship which the palatal cusp of the upper posterior teeth do not occlude in the central fossa of the opposing lower teeth, and can be manifested in a single tooth or in a group of teeth. Posterior cross-bite does not often self-correct and therefore immediate treatment is recommended. Occlusal adjustment to eliminate premature contact that causes mandibular deviation, expansion of narrow maxillary arch, arrangement of the individual teeth to treat asymmetry within the dental arch are the methods of treating cross-bite. In the present case, functional posterior cross-bite was observed in the primary and the early mixed dentition children. The children were treated by the slow maxillary expansion and occlusal adjustment. The outcome of periodic examinations after the correction of cross-bite was favorable.

Key Words: Posterior cross-bite, Early treatment, Selective grinding, Maxillary expansion