Early orthodontic treatment of Class-III malocclusion in Germany

In order to evaluate current attitudes to early interceptive treatment, 2001 orthodontic offices in Germany were asked to fill in a questionnaire comprising the following topics: indication, appliances for the early correction of Class-III malocclusions, diagnostic records, duration, and benefits to overall therapy. Based on the 677 evaluable questionnaires, the following statistically significant conclusions could be drawn: 92.6% of the orthodontists see Class-III malocclusion as an indication for early treatment. Early treatment of severe crowding, diastemata, Class-II malocclusion, deep bite, increased overjet and impacted incisors was declined by most orthodontists. The interceptive treatment of further malocclusions was controversially discussed. Functional appliances (67.5%), in particular the Fränkel III (47.3%), were dominant in correction of Class-III malocclusions. Typical orthodontic records relating to early interceptive treatment include panoramic radiographs, lateral headfilms, photos and dental casts. 2.5% of the orthodontists routinely take a hand-wrist radiograph. Although recently published studies support the use of facial masks in theory, they are rarely used in practice. To what extent early interceptive treatment of Class-III malocclusion influences the overall treatment is the subject of further studies.