The Brodie bite: Addressing a confounding orthodontic problem

• Interceptive treatment of buccal crossbites (Brodie bite). • Lip bumper and Fränkel regulator for correction of Brodie bites. • Considerations on tongue position as a possible etiologic factor. The demands of correcting severe buccal crossbites warrant the need for early intervention—as soon as the malocclusion is identified. The severity of buccal crossbites warrants the need for early interventions as soon as the malocclusion is detected. The main characteristic of a buccal crossbite malocclusion is the complete deepbite, with a total absence of occlusal and incisal contacts in centric relation. This article aimed to offer interceptive orthopedic and orthodontic treatment modalities to correct this type of malocclusion. Successful treatment of 3 very severe buccal crossbite malocclusions is presented. Appropriate application of physiology and biomechanics led to favorable results. Orthopedic and orthodontic treatments using lip bumpers, Fränkel regulators, and eventually crossbite elastics proved to be efficient means to minimize and correct buccal crossbites with long-term stability.