Preorthodontic guidance and the corrective mixed-dentition treatment concept.

A concept of corrective orthodontic treatment starting at an earlier age than usual has been discussed and illustrated. Realignment of terminology has been prosposed to give a clearer picture of the circumstance of malocclusion and its need for correction at an early age. A group of 300 patients treated in three categories were compared as to length of treatment time. Three groups of twenty-five patients treated correctively after preorthodontic guidance in the mixed dentition and only in permanent dentition were analyzed cephalometrically. The following conclusions can be reached: 1. Corective mixed-detition orthodontic treatment is a valid, safe, and reliable peocedure. 2. It encompasses both preorthodontic guidance and full-banded orthodontic treatment. 3. Current terminology is confusing and controversial...