Managing malocclusion in the mixed dentition: six keys to success. Part 1.

UNLABELLED: Indications of developing malocclusion are often present in the mixed dentition.With judicious supervision and timely intervention their effects can be minimized. The general dental practitioner is ideally placed to recognize, manage and correct many such incipient problems. This first of two papers considers three keys to success involving, normal dental development, deviations from normal eruption patterns, crossbite correction and habit cessation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The appropriate management of developing malocclusion may simplify later orthodontic management or indeed make such intervention unnecessary.