The controversy of early versus late treatment in orthodontics still seems to be of debate. The timing of treatment in most orthodontic cases depends on type of malocclusion, treatment response and choice of practitioner.
Preventive orthodontics is the action taken to preserve and protect the occlusion at a given time whereas interceptive orthodontics deals with the action to intercept an existing malocclusion in the mixed dentition phase.
The phrase, “timing is everything”, serves great purpose in orthodontic and suggests that all patients could be benefitted from an early treatment.
What is phase I treatment?
It is a one phase treatment done when the patient has all the teeth in place.
What is phase II treatment?
It is the …show more content…
Stage 1: conducted between 7-11years, jaw adjustments and tooth alignment is done in this stage
2. Resting stage: stage between the first and second in which full eruption of teeth takes place
3. Stage 2: teeth are fully erupted and full braces are used to provide a healthy smile
Timing of treatment:
Early mixed dentition serves as the ideal time to commence phase I treatment as the upper lateral incisors have erupted.
Although an orthodontist can modify the smile at any time, there always seems to be optimum to begin the treatment which ensures the shortest time period with great results. It that been said that the initial treatment should being around the age of 7years as early treatment provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunities for more effective outcomes.
Why has 7 years been considered to be the optimum timing for treatment?
At the age of 7 the first molars have erupted due to which the back bite is established and the erupting incisors are also made available which help establish overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening techniques can be used to help monitor the movements of teeth and skeletal growth.
Preventive orthodontic procedures:
· Parent education
· Caries