Part 3 | Systematic Approach to Diagnosis & Treatment of Interceptive Orthodontics: Identification and Treatment of Key Issues

In the first installment of this article we discussed the rationale for doing Phase I (Ph I) orthodontic treatment (tx). In the second installment we discussed defining successful Ph I treatment and growth management. This is the third installment of the four-part article. Here is a basic list of the things that I look for when evaluating a child for Ph I tx:

1. Crossbite
   • Anterior crossbite
   • Posterior crossbite
   • Functional shift
2. Habits/myofunctional problems
   • open bite
   • deep bite
   • functional shift
3. A-P problems
   • Cl II
   • Cl III
   • Correction of functional shifts of the mandible
   • Reduce facial protrusion
   • Establish symmetry
4. Vertical problems
   • Gingival display
   • Open bite
   • Deep bite
5. Resolution of severe crowding
6. Space maintenance
7. Congenitally missing teeth
8. Trauma