What is a management strategy for a posterior crossbite?

The management of a posterior crossbite often focuses on achieving a best-fit occlusion and improving dental function. Slow expansion and retention is a common and effective strategy for addressing this issue, particularly when it involves the maxillary arch. This method involves the use of appliances, such as a palatal expander, to gradually widen the upper arch over time. The slow expansion allows for more controlled and stable changes, reducing the risk of relapse once the desired width is achieved. Retention is then critical to maintaining this new position until the surrounding tissues adapt to the changes.

By opting for slow expansion, practitioners minimize discomfort and the potential for significant craniofacial complications. The retention phase is also essential to ensure that the teeth have time to settle into their new positions, which further aids in establishing functional occlusion without requiring immediate invasive procedures or extractions. This approach promotes long-term stability and effectiveness in managing posterior crossbites and is widely supported in clinical orthodontics.