Applicability of interceptive orthodontics in the community

The term interceptive orthodontics used in this paper is defined as the prompt treatment of unfavourable features of a developing occlusion categorized as local factors, crowding and displacements of the mandible in closing from the rest position. The aims of the study were to determine the best age or ages for interceptive orthodontics, to establish diagnostic cut-off points for self-correcting features of the developing occlusion which can be quantified, to investigate the reproducibility of treatment decisions and to make an initial estimate of the percentage of children suitable for interception. Based on material in the Belfast Growth Study, maximum or minimum measurements associated with spontaneous correction of quantifiable features were determined and incorporated into a disposable plastic gauge. Using the gauge, the available records of 278 Growth Study subjects at age 9 years and 272 at age 11 years were assessed for suitability for interception. Most of the conditions for interceptive treatments were present at age 9 years, but others were not present until 11 years. The majority of treatment decisions were highly reproducible. Approximately 50 per cent of the children in the Growth Study would have benefitted from interceptive orthodontics. A follow-up community study seems justified.