Influence of orthodontic treatment in the primary dentition upon development of the dentition and craniofacial growth.

UNLABELLED

Thirty patients who underwent orthodontic treatment of the primary dentition were examined in this retrospective follow-up study. The mean age at the beginning of treatment was 4.4 (+/= 1.1) years, and at follow-up 15.4 (+/- 1.7) years. Different kinds of malocclusion were present.

RESULTS

The early treatment lasted on average 12.3 (+/- 7.2) months. Treatment time of Class III malocclusion and lateral crossbite was significantly shorter than that of Class II, 1 malocclusion, functional Class II, 2 malocclusion or anterior open bite (p < 0.05). A Class I occlusion was achieved in 90% of the patients during treatment of the primary dentition. No patient treated successfully in the primary dentition showed any relapse to initial malocclusion.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that changes in occlusion and mandibular position during treatment in the primary dentition are maintained in the mixed and permanent dentition. It can be concluded that a Class I occlusion following orthodontic treatment in the primary dentition serves as a basis for physiological development of the dentition and craniofacial growth.