Validation of Schematic Representations for Dental Malocclusion and Craniofacial Deformities Screening in Temporary and Mixed Dentition Requiring Early Orthodontic Treatment

Dental occlusion is the reciprocal confrontation of the two dental arches. The child has two set of temporary and permanent teeth and passes through different stages of dentition during which dental, skeletal or functional abnormalities may appear.

Dental malocclusion is defined as an incorrect position of the teeth in the bone base, as well as the incoordination of the teeth of the opposite arches or the displacement of the maxillary and mandibular skeletal bases.

When a malocclusion is detected during clinical examination, patients are referred to an orthodontic specialist. The interception in orthodontics is carried out during a growing period; it consists of correcting or reducing malocclusions in evolution and eliminating the functional causes to prevent aggravation of skeletal and dental abnormalities.

An epidemiological study conducted in France on 789 children showed that 37.4% had at least one type of dental malocclusion. In 2010, a study of 5988 French children showed that 14% of them had received orthodontic treatment. These studies reveal a discrepancy between treatment needs and treatments conducted. In addition, certain dental malocclusions and skeletal disorders, such as lateral and anterior crossbite, require early orthodontic treatment in order to avoid aggravation of the occlusion disorder and induction of craniofacial growth disorders. Unfortunately these discrepancies are not always detected by the caregivers (pediatrician, general dentist, pediatric dentist).

A schematic representation of malocclusions in temporary and mixed dentition requiring orthodontic interception has been developed by the investigator's team to provide a simple visual means of identifying these dental and skeletal disorders in order to improve early screening by practitioners involved in the mandatory medical follow-up of children.