This article examines the key areas relating to interceptive orthodontics, ie crossbites, anterior and posterior; eruption problems and impaction (including incisors and canines); poor quality first permanent molars; infra-occluded primary molar teeth; non-nutritive sucking habits (digit and pacifier sucking) leading to anterior openbite, posterior crossbite and increased overjet; centreline shifts related to unilateral loss of primary teeth; and increased overjet and associated risk of trauma. It aims to provide information and recommendations.
Clinical Relevance: The GDP requires evidence to support the clinical management of common problems presenting in the mixed dentition.
Article
Interceptive orthodontics is a term that is used to encompass many treatments for different problems arising in the developing dentition. Studies have identified that between 26% and 39%1–4 of children have malocclusions that require treatment, depending on the age range investigated. Interceptive orthodontic treatment potentially reduces the need for complex orthodontic treatment5 and, therefore, may be of particular benefit to patients and clinicians in areas where there is limited access to specialist orthodontic services. The GDP plays a very important role in the identification and diagnosis of orthodontic problems presenting early, and assessing the potential for their development. It is believed that, if intercepted and correctly managed during the mixed dentition, many malocclusions can be eliminated or reduced in severity.6 The following areas, already mentioned, will be explored, highlighting current best practice recommendations:
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