7.2 Why is early-age orthodontic treatment needed

                                                                                                                              

⑴ Controversy about early orthodontic treatment

Keypoints:

◆ One-phase orthodontic treatment or two-phase orthodontic treatment?

→ One - phase orthodontic treatment

① The philosophy advocates beginning treatment when the second molars and all premolars have erupted.

② It is easier to design the treatment plan and begin treatment when major growth has been completed.

③ This approach avoids the unexpected and unpredictable variations in growth patterns.

→ Two- phase orthodontic treatment

① This school of thought advocates early treatment.

② The most important stage of the dental occlusion is the mixed dentition.

③ The early detection of the problem and proper  intervention can guide the abnormality toward normality.

⑵ The etiology of malocclusion

Keypoints:

     ◆ The etiology of malocclusions is considered to be multifactorial:

    → Hereditary factor (genetic and racial):

       Genetic factors: A hereditary trait from either parent or a combination of traits form both parents may produce similar or modified characteristics in the offspring. Such as abnormal size of jaws, size of teeth, growth pattern from parents may related to deep overbite.

       Racial factors: Studies on different ethnic groups, especially those with limited outside contact, are of interest. According to Graber, the Aleuts showed no Class II malocclusions while the South African blacks had an incidence of only 2.7 %.

    → Environmental factors:

    ① Equilibrium considerations;

    ② Masticatory function;

    ③ Sucking and other habits;

    ④ Tongue thrusting;

    ⑤ Respiratory pattern.