TREATMENT OF FUNCTIONAL POSTERIOR CROSSBITES IN THE PRIMARY AND EARLY MIXED DENTITIONS : CASE REPORT

유치열 및 초기 혼합치열기에서 기능성 구치부 반대교합의 치료증례

Posterior crossbites are abnormal buccal, or lingual relationship of a tooth or teeth of the maxilla, the mandible, or both when the teeth of the two arches are in occlusion and involve the molars and premolars. Posterior crossbites are classified as dental, muscular(functional), or skeletal. In an effort to avoid occlusal interferences caused by the inadequate arch width, the patient deviates the mandible laterally upon closure to achieve maximum intercuspation. This is described as functional posterior crossbite. Correction of functional posterior crossbites in the primary & early mixed dentition as early as possible after diagnosis has been recommended, because crossbites do not automatically improve with the eruption of the permanent teeth. Functional posterior crossbites, if left untreated, may have deleterious effects on the development and function of the TMJ. The diagnosis and management of three cases is presented. Each patient with functional posterior crossbites is treated using the bilateral maxillary expansion appliance.