[A follow-up study of anterior deciduous cross-bite]

To determine the relationship between anterior deciduous crossbite and anterior permanent crossbite, Angle classification of malocclusion and class III jaw relationship through a follow-up study in community children.

A follow-up study was done six years later in 102 children who were out of 120 children having anterior deciduous crossbite detected in a survey of six years before. Other 102 children with normal occlusion of deciduous and permanent teeth were treated as the control group.

There were 51 out of 102 cases developed anterior permanent crossbite. In comparison with the group with 1-2 anterior deciduous crossbite, the group with more than two neighboring anterior deciduous crossbite had more significant probability to turn into anterior permanent crossbite, OR = 6.8 (95% CI: 2.7-17.6). The patients with more than 2 neighboring anterior deciduous teeth crossbite had significantly more chance of developing Angle III malocclusion and class III jaw relationship than those in the control group and those with 1-2 anterior deciduous teeth crossbite.

Clinical orthodontists should pay more attention to the patients with more than 2 neighboring anterior deciduous crossbite.