Interceptive Orthodontics

Question 1

What are the situations where interception might be appropriate?

Answer 1

Class II div 1 case with increased OJ in mixed dentition
Mild skeletal class III with class III incisors in mixed dentition
Deep overbites (utilise eruption potential)
Anterior crossbite
Posterior crossbite
Digit-sucking habit
Impacted teeth- canine and FPM’s
Unerupted centrals
Missing laterals
Infra-occluded second deciduous molars
First permanent molars of poor prognosis
Upper midline diastema in mixed dentition
Early or delayed loss of deciduous teeth
Developing crowding suitable for space maintenance

Question 2

What are the factors which influence space loss when primary teeth are extracted?

Answer 2

Patient age at time of loss
Which arch tooth belongs to
–upper arch closes faster than lower arch
Degree of crowding present

Question 3

How does a sucking habit affect occlusion?

Answer 3

Due to a difference in pressure
Sucking thumb causes intraoral pressure
Depresses the tongue too
Mandibular displacement- patient tried to compensate this by sliding their jaw over to gain proper bite on one side
Unilateral crossbite

Question 4

What is the aetiology of midline diastemas?

Answer 4

Supernumerary
Missing teeth
Labial frenum low attachment
Anything that proclines the upper incisors