Recurrence predictors of anterior crossbite in primary dentition treatment: a retrospective study

Background: Anterior crossbite is a frequently occurring clinical condition in children which can lead to Class III malocclusion. It is important to identify the recurrence predictors in children with anterior crossbite for achieving long-term stability in early orthopedic treatment. Methods: In this retrospective study, total of 36 patients with anterior crossbite in their primary dentition were enrolled. They were divided into two groups based on the subsequent relapse status in mixed dentition: the non-relapsed group and the relapsed group. The baseline characteristics for both groups were collected and compared before treatment. The cephalometric measurements were analysed at the pre-treatment and post-treatment phases. The cephalometric measurements of relapsed group were compared for the post-treatment phase and relapse phase after treatment. Results: A significant difference in participant characteristics was observed between the two groups wherein the relapsed group showed lower tongue position. The relapsed group before treatment exhibited more anteriorly and inferiorly mandible along with protrusion upper incisors. This condition did not change after the treatment. Early orthopedic treatment in both groups attained significant forward movement of maxilla and protrusive movement of upper incisors. The downward movement of hyoid bone was also noticed. In mixed dentition, patients in the relapsed group exhibited forward movement of the mandible and downward movement of hyoid bone. Conclusions: The findings indicate that the lower tongue position and specific cephalometric variables including forward growing mandible and lower positioned hyoid bone in patients with Class III growth patterns may serve as the potential predictors of relapse.