[Reflections on the current state of early orthodontic treatment]

Early orthodontic treatment has been a hot spot and focus of development in recent years in the field of orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and general practice dentistry. However, there are still some misconceptions, such as excessive or premature intervention, strict control of indications, exaggeration of the role of early orthodontic treatment. This article starts from the analysis of the current status of early orthodontic treatment in China and combines the latest literature and reviews at home and abroad to analyze the nine issues that dentists and the public are concerned about one by one, including whether early orthodontic treatment is a new concept, whether it is necessary, the timing of early orthodontic treatment, the indications for early orthodontic treatment, whether it can provide a non-tooth extraction or non-surgical opportunity, whether it can completely change the facial profile such as retrognathia and growth pattern of the mandible, whether it can treat habitual mouth breathing or adenoid face or obstructive sleep apnea, the role of myofunctional therapy with prefabricated appliances in early orthodontic treatment, whether transparent aligners are superior to traditional aligners in early orthodontic treatment, with the aim of promoting the standardization of early orthodontic treatment. Early orthodontic treatment must choose the right indications, master the basic principles and techniques of orthodontics, and choose the most suitable treatment method and timing for the child.