ABSTRACT
Background:
The mixed dentition stage in children is a critical period for orthodontic assessment and intervention. This study investigates the effects of interceptive orthodontics on dental and skeletal development in children with mixed dentition, aiming to evaluate the potential benefits of early orthodontic treatment
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 150 children with mixed dentition (aged 7–11 years), who received interceptive orthodontic treatment. Dental and skeletal records, including cephalometric radiographs and dental cast models, were collected before and after treatment. A control group of 150 untreated children with mixed dentition was also assessed for comparison. Various dental and skeletal parameters, such as dental alignment, overjet (OJ), overbite (OB), and cephalometric measurements, were recorded and analyzed.
Results:
The results of this study indicate significant improvements in dental alignment and occlusion in the group of children who received interceptive orthodontic treatment. The average reduction in OJ was 3.5 mm, and the OB correction averaged 2.1 mm. Cephalometric analysis showed positive changes in skeletal relationships, with a mean reduction in the angle formed by point A, nasion (N) and point B. (ANB) angle of 2.8 degrees. These improvements were statistically significant compared to the control group (P < 0.05)
Conclusion:
Early orthodontic intervention, such as interceptive orthodontics, has a positive impact on dental and skeletal development in children with mixed dentition.
KEYWORDS: Dental alignment, dental development, early intervention, interceptive orthodontics, mixed dentition, orthodontic treatment, skeletal development
INTRODUCTION
The mixed dentition stage, typically occurring in children aged 7 to 11 years, marks a crucial period in orthodontic development. During this phase, the dental and skeletal structures are in a dynamic state of transition, presenting both opportunities and challenges for orthodontic intervention.[1] Mixed dentition is characterized by the presence of a combination of primary and permanent teeth, and this transitional stage lays the foundation for the child’s future occlusion and overall oral health.[2]
Orthodontic treatment initiated during the mixed dentition stage, often referred to as interceptive orthodontics, aims to address early dental and skeletal irregularities to prevent or minimize more complex orthodontic problems later in life.[3] While there has been a growing interest in the potential benefits of early orthodontic intervention, there remains a need for empirical evidence to support its efficacy in promoting dental and skeletal development.
In this retrospective analysis, we compare a cohort of 150 children who received interceptive orthodontic treatment with a control group of 150 untreated children with mixed dentition. Dental and skeletal records, including cephalometric radiographs and dental cast models, were collected before and after treatment. Various dental and skeletal parameters, such as overjet (OJ), overbite (OB), and cephalometric measurements, were recorded and analyzed to assess the outcomes of interceptive orthodontics.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study design and participant selection
A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of children with mixed dentition (aged 7–11 years) who sought orthodontic treatment. A control group of untreated children with mixed dentition was also included for comparison.
Inclusion criteria
Children aged 7–11 years with mixed dentition.
Patients who received interceptive orthodontic treatment.
Availability of complete dental and skeletal records, including cephalometric radiographs and dental cast models, both before and after treatment.
A control group of untreated children with mixed dentition matched for age and gender.
Exclusion criteria
Children with syndromes or craniofacial anomalies.
Patients with incomplete or missing records.
Individuals who underwent previous orthodontic treatment.
Dental records
Pre-treatment and post-treatment dental cast models were obtained for all participants.
Dental parameters, including OJ (horizontal overlap of incisors) and OB (vertical overlap of incisors), were measured using digital calipers.
Skeletal records
Cephalometric radiographs were taken before and after treatment.
Cephalometric measurements, including the ANB angle (a measure of skeletal relationships), were recorded using standardized cephalometric analysis software.
Orthodontic treatment
Interceptive orthodontic treatment was provided to the study group based on individualized treatment plans.
Statistical analysis
Data were entered into a statistical software package SPSS version 23. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
RESULTS
Dental parameters
Table 1 presents the pre-treatment and post-treatment values for key dental parameters in the study group (children who received interceptive orthodontic treatment). These parameters include OJ and OB.
Table 1.
Dental parameter changes in the study group
| Parameter | Pre-treatment (mm) | Post-treatment (mm) | Change (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overjet (OJ) | 6.2±1.4 | 2.7±1.1 | 3.5±0.9 |
| Overbite (OB) | 4.9±1.2 | 2.8±0.9 | 2.1±0.8 |
As shown in Table 1, interceptive orthodontic treatment led to significant improvements in dental alignment. The average reduction in OJ (horizontal overlap of incisors) was 3.5 mm, indicating a substantial correction of anterior tooth protrusion. Additionally, the OB (vertical overlap of incisors) decreased by an average of 2.1 mm, demonstrating improved vertical tooth relationships.
Skeletal parameters
Table 2 summarizes the cephalometric measurements, including the ANB angle, which reflects skeletal relationships, for the study group before and after interceptive orthodontic treatment.
Table 2.
Cephalometric measurements in the study group
| Parameter | Pre-treatment (degrees) | Post-treatment (degrees) | Change (degrees) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANB Angle (Skeletal) | 5.6±1.7 | 2.8±1.3 | –2.8±1.1 |
The results in Table 2 indicate positive changes in skeletal relationships following interceptive orthodontic treatment. The ANB angle decreased by an average of 2.8 degrees, indicating an improvement in the harmony of the maxilla and mandible.
Comparison with control group
To assess the effectiveness of interceptive orthodontic treatment, the study group’s results were compared with those of the control group (untreated children with mixed dentition) using independent t-tests.
Table 3 presents the comparative analysis of dental parameters (OJ and OB) between the study group and the control group.
Table 3.
Comparison of dental parameters between study and control groups
| Parameter | Study group (mm) | Control group (mm) | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overjet (OJ) | 2.7±1.1 | 1.7±0.1 | 0.001 |
| Overbite (OB) | 2.8±0.9 | 1.5±0.3 | 0.001 |
Table 4 presents the comparative analysis of the ANB angle (skeletal parameter) between the study group and the control group.
Table 4.
Comparison of ANB angle between study and control groups
| Parameter | Study group (degrees) | Control group (degrees) | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANB Angle (Skeletal) | 2.8±1.3 | 1.8±1.5 | 0.02 |
The results in Tables 3 and 4 show that the study group, which received interceptive orthodontic treatment, exhibited statistically significant improvements in both dental and skeletal parameters compared to the control group (P < 0.05).
These findings indicate that early orthodontic intervention, such as interceptive orthodontics, has a positive impact on dental and skeletal development in children with mixed dentition, leading to improved dental alignment, occlusion, and skeletal relationships. These improvements may contribute to better long-term oral health and reduced orthodontic complexity in later adolescence.
DISCUSSION
The mixed dentition stage in children, marked by the presence of both primary and permanent teeth, is a critical period in orthodontic development.[1]
The results of our study revealed significant improvements in dental and skeletal parameters following interceptive orthodontic treatment. In terms of dental alignment, there was a notable reduction in OJ by an average of 3.5 mm and a decrease in OB by 2.1 mm. These findings align with previous studies that have emphasized the effectiveness of interceptive orthodontics in addressing dental misalignments and malocclusions during the mixed dentition phase.[2,3] The reduction in OJ indicates a correction of anterior tooth protrusion, while the decrease in OB suggests improved vertical tooth relationships. These improvements not only enhance aesthetics but also contribute to functional occlusion and may prevent potential dental trauma associated with protrusive incisors.[4]
Cephalometric analysis demonstrated positive changes in skeletal relationships, as evidenced by a mean reduction in the ANB angle by 2.8 degrees. This improvement signifies enhanced harmony between the maxilla and mandible, which is crucial for a stable and well-balanced occlusion.[5]
Comparing our study group with the untreated control group, statistically significant differences were observed in both dental and skeletal parameters. These results support the notion that early orthodontic intervention, as provided through interceptive orthodontics, offers tangible benefits compared to delayed or no treatment during the mixed dentition phase.[6,7] The control group, lacking interceptive treatment, exhibited less favorable outcomes, emphasizing the potential advantages of addressing orthodontic issues early in a child’s development.
It is important to acknowledge certain limitations of our study, including its retrospective design, which may introduce bias, and the absence of long-term follow-up data.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, our study provides empirical evidence supporting the positive impact of interceptive orthodontic treatment on dental and skeletal development in children with mixed dentition. Early orthodontic intervention leads to significant improvements in dental alignment, occlusion, and skeletal relationships.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
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