Abstract

Abstract:
Aims and Objectives: To correct dental anterior crossbite by placement of Glass Ionomer cement occlusal stops on mandibular first permanent molars and creating an iatrogenic anterior open-bite for a maximum of two weeks.
Materials and Methods: 16 patients (age: 7- 11 years) with dental anterior crossbite were treated using this novel approach. Glass Ionomer cement occlusal stops were placed on mandibular first permanent molars in order to create a 1mm open bite anteriorly. The treatment duration was of two weeks. The patients were recalled after every one week for total of two weeks to observe the correction of crossbite and then after 1 month, 3 months and 6 months for follow up and examine the relapse.
Discussion: Pediatric dentists frequently encounter patients with anterior crossbite in mixed dentition stage. This usually requires an appliance therapy for correction. However, unlike previous modalities, this novel approach of correcting crossbite by opening the bite is simple, economical and does not depend on patient compliance.
Results: 13 out of 16 patients were treated successfully within two weeks of placement of occlusal stops. Follow-up at six months showed no relapse in any of the corrected cases.
Conclusion: Placement of glass ionomer cement occlusal stops for two weeks on mandibular first permanent molars is an easy approach to correct dental anterior crossbite.

Key words: Keywords: Crossbite, Malocclusion, Glass ionomer cement, Corrective orthodontics