[For early treatment of Class II div 1 malocclusions]

Should treatment of a Class II div. 1 malocclusion begin in the early, in mixed dentition or later in the adolescent dentition? In a Cochrane review, the authors conclude: "The evidence suggests that providing early orthodontic treatment for children with prominent upper front teeth is no more effective than providing one course of orthodontic treatment when the child is in early adolescence." So, should you wait to treat ? Certainly not ! Many arguments in favor of early treatment are: reduction of the risk of fracture of prominent incisors, esthetic factors, increase in patient self-esteem and reduction of negative social experiences, reduction of the length of fixed appliance therapy thereby reducing possible iatrogenic effects, creating an environment more favorable to harmonious growth and development, without forgetting the legal concept of loss of opportunity. These elements will be developed in a literature review and illustrated by a clinical case.