If your child has one or more front tooth that are “stuck back,” then they have an anterior crossbite. Upper teeth are supposed to fit just outside of the lower teeth, that is, closer to the lips and cheeks. When an upper tooth is trapped behind a lower one, it can lead to excessive wear through grinding (bruxism), as well as trauma to the gingiva and bone.
Fortunately, this traumatic occlusion can be addressed fairly easily. Sometimes extraction of adjacent baby teeth is necessary to make room for the trapped tooth to move forward. Usually a small appliance with a fingerspring is glued in for 3-4 weeks. Weekly visits will be required to monitor progress. Occasionally, Dr. Hill will identify other issues of concern and you will be referred to an orthodontist for an evaluation and timing of treatment.
