Early Intervention For Un-Ilateral Jaw Collapse: A Case Report

Anterior crossbite, a prevalent pediatric malocclusion, may induce localized maxillary growth restriction. The resultant asymmetric maxillary development can progress to severe dentoskeletal deformities. An 8-year-old child presented unilateral maxillary depression secondary to untreated segmental anterior crossbite, exhibiting significant facial asymmetry and labial deviation. After wearing a customized removable orthodontic appliance for 3 moths, the patient’s unilateral maxillary collapse and anterior crossbite were corrected. The maxilla is now symmetrical bilaterally, with a well-archived dental arch. Without timely intervention during the growth peak, such malocclusions often exacerbate into complex dentofacial deformities. Adult cases typically require orthognathic surgery with compromised therapeutic outcomes and increased treatment burden. This case employed an innovative patient-tailored appliance that promptly eliminated growth-restrictive factors, corrected the existing maxillary collapse, prevented severe future malocclusions, and ultimately reduced subsequent treatment complexity and cost.