[Indications and execution of early treatment]

42% of the school children show malocclusion. Eugnathic dentitions are observed in only 26%, and there is a downward trend. For this reason, orthodontic prophylaxis is practised systematically in Poland. All the children in nurseries, nursery schools and the first three forms of the elementary schools are involved. They are subdivided into 4 groups. Children with eugnathic dentitions are in the first group; children with severe anomalies, in the fourth group. The first group needs only supervision. The second group benefits from prophylactic measures performed by a paedodontist. In the third group, a paedodontist institutes a causal therapy using simple means. Complex orthodontic treatment by an orthodontist is needed only in the fourth group.