Prevention and early treatment in orthodontics

Abstract

This thesis examines the principles and clinical applications of preventive and interceptive orthodontics in the management of developing malocclusions. It emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis during the mixed dentition phase, allowing clinicians to utilize growth potential to guide dentofacial development and reduce future treatment complexity. Preventive approaches focus on maintaining arch integrity and eliminating etiological factors, while interceptive procedures address developing skeletal and dental discrepancies during growth. The role of functional and orthopedic appliances, applied at appropriate growth stages, is highlighted in achieving favorable skeletal and occlusal outcomes. Overall, early orthodontic intervention is presented as an effective and biologically efficient approach to improving long-term functional and aesthetic results.