The effectiveness of the self-ligated appliance in the treatment of unilateral cross bite: case report

Abstract

Crossbite is an occlusal disorder characterized by poor positioning of the upper teeth in relation to the lower teeth. It may be associated with dental, functional or skeletal factors. Orthodontic treatment is essential to avoid future problems with the temporomandibular joint, facial asymmetries and also for the patient to have more comfort when chewing. The self-ligating device has stood out in modern orthodontics, as there is a reduction in treatment time, as tooth movements are faster and more effective, due to the reduction in friction between arch wires and brackets. Based on a clinical case report of a patient treated at the clinic who had a unilateral crossbite, this work addresses its treatment with the use of a self-ligating appliance, without the need to subject the patient to maxillary expansion with orthopedic appliances. The case was monitored monthly and recorded with photographs, demonstrating the correction of the malocclusion in a reduced period of time, concluding that the chosen therapeutic approach was a viable and efficient alternative for resolving the patient's complaint, promoting an improvement in aesthetics and chewing function.