[Early orthodontic treatment].

Several preventive procedures are recommended for the interception of early malocclusion. Therefore some important characteristics of normal dental development are mentioned. This preventive approach is focused around selected topics as forced bite, midline diastema and retarded eruption. This influence of functional disturbances on dentofacial morphology is discussed. An overview of possible therapy by the general dentist is presented for problems, aroused by thumb- and fingersucking, agenesis of upper lateral and mandibular second premolars as well as early loss of deciduous molars. Finally, the possible indications for serial extractions are examined.