Overlays as early treatment for malocclusions, clinical case report.

Abstract

Introduction Currently, a high percentage of the pediatric population presents dental malocclusions, among which is the crossbite. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to prevent craniofacial alterations that later affect masticatory function as well as facial aesthetics of patients. In recent years, the use of overlays has had a very good response as a therapeutic option within interceptive pediatric dentistry. This treatment consists of a device made of acrylic taking into account a constructive bite to reposition the jaws, leading them to an adequate occlusion. Case report: A 10-year-old male patient, apparently healthy, with class III and anterior crossbite, treated in the area of ​​malocclusions in an interceptive manner with mandibular repositioning overlays, changing to skeletal, molar and canine class I and correcting the anterior crossbite, leading to a functional occlusion. Conclusion It is important to make a good diagnosis and carry out interceptive treatments to resolve malocclusions in pediatric patients. This clinical case demonstrates the effectiveness of overlays as an intermaxillary repositioning treatment, correcting crossbite and improving the masticatory function and facial aesthetics of the patient, as well as preventing future skeletal complications.