[Orthodontic prophylaxis]

The problems related to the prevention of dental anomalies are very complex. They include the health care for the expectant mother and become evident above all if one considers the long period of development during which the dentition must be protected against adverse causative effects. The developmental phases of the orofacial system from birth to the time at which the permanent anteriors begin to erupt are set forth and measures are deduced that may contribute to the reduction of malformations. It is emphasized that orthodontic prophylaxis will be efficient only if the causative relationships, the conditions of development and the efficiency of the measures taken are realized correctly and evaluated according to high standards.