Class 3 malocclusion crossbite in 15 yr old

[peanutbutterkid]

... does not need treatment. Says stbxH.

Among many reasons I want divorce is that stbxH is obsessively cheap about spending money. And we would need to go private (££££) to fix this. So I don't trust stbxH when he says that orthodontist says that DS's teeth alignment is fine, will never cause DS problems or if they do, it's best treated after DS finishes growing.

I tried to google & came up with conclusion that class 3 can be especially difficult to fix, may require surgery, not as simple as fitting a retainer. So there is a chance stbxH is being reasonable... Obviously I have trust issues.

There's a lot of expertise on MN, I just wondered if anyone sees this & can chuck in an informed opinion? Most the things I read about untreated crossbite are very negative about ignoring it, but... maybe DS's condition really could be best left as is. Thoughts ?

I suggest you get a second opinion. A Class III cross bite should put you into NHS category.
Yes CIII are difficult to treat but it depends on the severity, go along to your dentist and ask for a second referral, make sure you go this time!
Ask, 1. Does it need treatment? ( what are the long term issues if not treated?)

1. what are the different treatment options available to you?
2. How long will each treatment option take?
3. How much will each treatment option cost?
4. What is the long term stability looking like for your son? ( CIII results can often be unstable)
5. What is the commitment in terms of time, appointments, cleaning etc…. Should you decide to proceed?
6. Do they offer a payment plan? ( should you have to pay privately)

Unfortunately it’s impossible to give information over the internet without examining a patient, sorry!

Thank you Littlemiss.
Going private, we waited 5 months to get this appointment.
Orthodontist wants us to watch how fast DS is growing, measure his height monthly. Said that the situation is unstable and would only consider treatment after DS seems to be done growing.
And might not do anything, would see how DS was then.
They will send us an appt in 12 months.

I just don't know what to think.

That sounds like very sensible advice.

Often with CIII, orthodontic work is undone by a late growth spurt.
I know it’s frustrating but you may need to just put it in the back burner for now

Thanks so much. I don't mind delay at all and can cope with uncertainty, I just don't want DS to get stuck with uncomfortable jaw for life, with only potential corrective option being surgery that isn't even available on NHS at that point, when the problem might be sorted by a retainer now, even if we had to pay for it privately now.

Kicking myself because problem was flagged late (maybe). DS didn't attend dentist for 2 years, it was impossible to get appts during covid & we just forgot to put in reminders after a while. So wondering if this could have been sorted sooner. Guilt !!

Maybe I will remember to update in 12 months time

Don’t kick yourself, if it’s a true CIII it will be due to growth, and can only really be fully assessed and treated when growth has stopped.

You're brill, Littlemiss. thanks so much for the insights

Just to reiterate what has been said before , in these types of cases you want to start treatment after growth spurt has finished. In many cases it will need a joint approach which would not be done privately anyway and treatment would likely start at 18 or later if this is the case.
Treatment for class 111 malocclusion can be demanding and in many cases if mild , or not causing problems or co operation/cleaning likely to be a problem it is one of those things that is best left alone.
Unlike any other orthodontic problems if a class III malocclusion needs a joint surgical/orthodontic approach then treatment can be started on the NHS as an adult. Normally orthodontics needs to be started under 18 but because class III problems are best addressed after growth has mostly finished it is often best addressed as an adult.