The patient and her parents initially came with what seemed like a minor concern — one of the front teeth appeared crooked. However, the underlying issue was far more complex. The bite was incorrect: the mandible shifted to one side during occlusion, which visually manifested as facial asymmetry. The parents also noted that the child’s smile aesthetics had begun to concern them.
Why Ignoring the Problem Is Dangerous
A crossbite leads not only to visible changes in appearance. Improper occlusion places excessive load on specific teeth, accelerating enamel wear. Over time, this can result in tooth sensitivity, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, impaired chewing function, and further facial deformation.
Examination and Treatment Plan
The examination revealed:
- a right-sided crossbite,
- significant narrowing of the upper dental arch,
- mandibular deviation and facial asymmetry,
- disrupted contacts between the upper and lower teeth.
To correct the problem, it was decided to install a Haas appliance, which is used for skeletal expansion of the upper jaw.
Treatment Stages
- Placement of the Haas appliance.
- Activation of the appliance: gradual expansion of the maxilla over the course of one month.
- Achievement of the desired expansion followed by transition to the stabilization phase.
- Wearing the appliance for an additional 6 months to secure the result.
Patient Outcome
- The crossbite was completely corrected.
- Facial symmetry improved, and mandibular deviation was eliminated.
- The shape of the upper dental arch was restored and widened.
- The smile became more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing.
Why This Matters
Many parents think that “crooked teeth” are only an aesthetic concern. However, such a symptom often indicates serious functional disturbances. Without treatment, a crossbite and facial asymmetry can worsen over time, leading to excessive tooth wear, joint overload, chronic pain, and difficulties with chewing. Early intervention allows not only the alignment of the teeth but also the preservation of the health of the entire dentoalveolar system.
At DentalDate, our orthodontists choose individualized treatment methods to ensure long-lasting results and a healthy, harmonious smile.
