A bonded functional ramp to aid in asymmetric expansion of unilateral posterior crossbites

Unilateral posterior crossbite is a common finding in patients seeking orthodontic treatment. When treating this condition with a rapid maxillary expander, clinicians occasionally observe no resolution of the crossbite and document an unnecessary overexpansion of the contralateral dentition. This article describes a method for treating unilateral posterior crossbite and, specifically, the lack of crossbite correction after expansion with a rapid maxillary expander. A composite ramp is bonded to the mesial buccal cusp of the maxillary first molar in crossbite. The necessary materials and instruments are typically found in an orthodontic office. This adjunctive procedure requires no more than 5 extra minutes during an examination, and no additional appointments are necessary.