Preventive and Interceptive Orthodontics Treatment

Preventive orthodontics is that part of orthodontic practice which is concerned with patients and parents education, supervision of the growth and development of the dentition and cranio-facial structures. The diagnostic procedures undertaken to predict the appearance of malocclusion and the treatment procedures instituted to prevent the onset of malocclusion. Interceptive orthodontics has been defined as that phase of science that can recognize and eliminate potential irregularities and malpositions of the developing dento-facial complex. Many of procedures are common in preventive and interceptive orthodontics, but the timings are different. Preventive procedures are undertaken in anticipation of development of a problem, whereas interceptive procedures are taken when the problem has already manifested. Orthodontic problems in children can be divided conveniently into non skeletal and skeletal problems, which are treated by tooth movement and by growth modification. Such treatment may take place in deciduous or transitional dentition and may include redirection of ectopically erupting teeth, slicing or extraction of deciduous teeth, correction of isolated dental crossbites of recovery of minor space loss.

History of interceptive orthodontics

Interceptive orthodontics refers to all interventions and treatments that can be performed during the primary or mixed dentition with the aim of eliminating or minimizing dento-alveolar and skeletal disharmonies that can interfere with the normal growth and development of occlusion, function, aesthetics and the psychological wellbeing of children. The main purpose of interceptive orthodontics is to prepare an environment that will not interfere with the occlusal development in order to reduce the future need for prolonged complex mechanical orthodontic treatment. According to the American Association of Orthodontics the most suitable age for screening the paediatric population for interceptive intervention is 7 years of age. CPD/Clinical Relevance: To review the progress made in the field of interceptive orthodontics and discuss the current principles of early orthodontic intervention.

3D Morphometric Analysis of Human Primary Second Molar Crowns and Its Implications on Interceptive Orthodontics

The second primary molar represents an anchorage element in interceptive orthodontics. The present study aims to analyze the 3D morphology of primary second molars in order to provide reference data and implications about the development of orthodontic bands for second primary molars. Digital models of dental arches from 150 subjects in primary or mixed dentition were analyzed. Six dimensional variables were digitally measured for each second primary molar, and the mean and standard error of the mean (SEM) were calculated and compared applying Student t-test statistical analysis. The mean value results show statistically significant dimensional differences between the upper and lower teeth, (mostly p < 0.0001), except for the variable h1, while only the variable h1 showed significant differences between the antimetric teeth (left and right). The dimensional variations between the right and left molars were considerably minor compared to those found by comparing the upper and lower arches. A significantly higher dimension of the lower molars and a more rectangular shape were observed.

Earlier the Better: Interceptive Orthodontics to Correct Various Forms of Malocclusion in a Nine-year-old Boy

Guidance of eruption and development of the primary, mixed, and permanent dentitions is an integral component of comprehensive oral healthcare for all pediatric dental patients; which should contribute to the development of a permanent dentition that is stable, and functionally and esthetically acceptable. In this case note, we present a case in which various forms of interceptive treatment modalities like; extraction of impacted and erupted supernumerary teeth, correction of anterior crossbite and irregularities using Z-springs and Hawley’s labial bow, and provision of lingual holding arch space maintainer were done to correct malocclusion in a nine-year-old patient. Arch alignment was achieved within seven month of starting of treatment, which was acceptable to the patient.