Abstract:

Early orthodontic treatments for children’s malocclusion follow the principles of craniofacial and occlusal growth and development, deeply understand the role of genetic and environmental factors in the occurrence and development of the malocclusion, scientifically select the optimal timing and indications for treatments, and promptly prevent and intercept the occurrence and development of malocclusion. The goal of early orthodontic treatments is to reduce the incidence of the malocclusion, maximize the maintenance of the harmonized growth and aesthetic profiles of craniofacial and occlusal morphological structures, and preserve normal oral functions and good oral health. From the perspective of craniofacial and occlusal growth and development, this work elaborates on growth and developmental characteristics, including hierarchical control from top to bottom of the genetic regulation of craniofacial and occlusal growth pattern, and the balance and compensation features of craniofacial growth. It further explores the potential significance of craniofacial and occlusal growth patterns to guide the clinical strategies of early malocclusion treatment. The development of the cranium and cranial base genetically regulates the growth and development of maxillofacial complex. A good craniofacial and occlusal morphology determines a good maxillofacial morphology. Early orthodontic treatments cannot correct skeletal malocclusion caused by the abnormal morphology of the cranium and cranial base. However, as the structural hierarchy of the craniofacial and occlusal regions descends, the efficacy of early orthodontic treatment increases. The malocclusion is the disruption of the “balance” and “compensation” of the craniofacial and occlusal system. The strategy of early orthodontic treatment is to promote the “compensatory” efficiency of the craniofacial and occlusal system, reduce the adverse impact of the “imbalance” in craniofacial and occlusal growth on facial morphology and occlusal relationships, and decrease the severity and complexity of the malocclusion. With the establishment of contemporary orthodontic theories on the control of craniofacial and occlusal growth and development, early orthodontic treatment for malocclusion has been advanced. Malocclusion is no longer considered a developmental abnormality solely controlled by genetic factors; environmental factors also play an important role in its occurrence and development. The role of airway factors and oral functional factors in maxillofacial developmental abnormalities has received increasing attention from clinicians. Early orthodontic treatment for malocclusions caused by airway obstruction has become a major concern in early orthodontic intervention, drawing great attention from orthodontists and otolaryngologists. Its clinical management usually requires multidisciplinary collaboration of clinicians of otolaryngology, sleep medicine, and pediatrics. Early orthodontic treatment for malocclusion is a hot topic in orthodontics. The development of early orthodontic treatments for malocclusion must follow the principles of craniofacial and occlusal growth and development. This method is the scientific way to promote the development of early orthodontic treatments.

Key words: craniofacial and occlusal growth, malocclusions of children, preventive and interceptive orthodontics, oral function