Early correction of anterior crossbites: a systematic review

Objectives: To identify the appropriate treatment for the correction of anterior crossbite. Design: Systematic review. Data source: A search strategy was developed along with inclusion criteria and run in Scopus, Medline, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and psychINFO databases. Selection criteria: Children in the primary or mixed dentition with an anterior crossbite affecting one or more incisors, and no underlying skeletal class III discrepancy. Data selection and extraction: All potential articles were checked against the inclusion criteria independently, and in duplicate by two investigators. Reference lists were checked for relevance and possible inclusion. Manual data extraction was carried out using a standardized format and agreed by the two investigators. Outcomes: Time taken to correct the crossbite and treatment duration. Data synthesis: The data were arranged by type of study and further subdivided by treatment type. Results: A total of 499 articles were identified following electronic and hand searching and checking reference lists. Following examination of titles, abstracts and, where applicable full articles, 46 articles were included. Owing to the low levels of evidence, no statistical methods were employed. Conclusion: This review has highlighted the lack of high quality evidence for the management of anterior crossbites in children. Although the level of evidence is low, there is similarity in the length of time it took to successfully treat anterior crossbites using similar treatment modalities. High level studies are required before definitive conclusions can be made.