Abstract

The best time for orthodontic treatment of a particular malocclusion is an often-debated topic. There is great disagreement in the literature with respect to the ideal treatment time for certain malocclusions that we shall discuss in this review. Much has been said about the timing and in recent years several studies have addressed this challenging problem. In this review we shall look at several common types of malocclusions and suggest the most appropriate time for their correction based on several important factors that we aim to discuss in the following. It is our experience that in some cases treatment is being initiated too early and in others too late to get the best outcome and the most economical result. In our opinion not enough attention is paid to the optimal time for treatment, as a result the patient often has an extended treatment time, two or more phases of treatment resulting in unnecessary expenses. We shall illustrate with patient examples the clinical challenges associated with the treatment timing in cases of serial extraction, autotransplantation, impacted canines, and Class II malocclusion with upper bicuspid extractions. Surgical correction of Class II malocclusions and skeletal open bite will also be discussed in terms of the best treatment time, based on the patient’s stage of maturation. In this review we shall finally look at malocclusions that should not be treated until the patient is post puberty and those that should not be treated until mandibular growth is completed. We shall discuss the rationale and choice of treatment timing based on the individual type of malocclusion, facial type, stage of dental development and skeletal maturation.

Recommended Citation

Nielsen, Ib Leth (2024) "Timing of Orthodontic Treatment (Part II)," Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics: Vol. 36: Iss. 3, Article 1.
https://doi.org/10.38209/2708-2636.1360
Available at: https://www.tjo.org.tw/tjo/vol36/iss3/1