Innovative use of modified aligners as bite blocks in correction of anterior crossbite in children

Abstract

Discrepancy in the transverse relationship of the upper and the lower teeth is referred to as a crossbite. Crossbite can be dental or skeletal in origin or a combination of both and can be anteriorly or posteriorly placed. An anterior crossbite is when one or more primary or permanent maxillary incisors are lingual to mandibular incisors. There are a variety of methods employed for the correction of crossbite which includes, fixed appliances, removable acrylic appliances with springs, anterior inclined planes, tongue blades etc. One of the major drawbacks of these treatment modalities include the dietary restrictions because of posterior bite blocks and hence the reduced patient compliance. In addition, there might be molar intrusion, lingual rolling in of lower molars and TMJ discomfort with use of posterior bite blocks. Through this article we are presenting a case report with a newer, innovative way of correction of anterior crossbite in early permanent dentition without the use of a posterior bite block.