Correction of Developing Class III Malocclusion in Very Young Children; A follow-up till growth completion

Primary dentition cross bite can be an early indicator of a true class III malocclusion tendency and needs immediate attention. Primary dentition cross bite is an uncommon entity which manifests in a few cases, and it may either be an early indicator of a true class III malocclusion tendency due to an inherent hereditary pattern, or simply an abnormal dentoalveolar relation present or established over time. It often needs immediate attention, so that further growth disturbance of the maxillary and mandibular arches from an unfamiliar environment is prevented. Unfortunately, sometimes the treatment and referrals are delayed due to limited experience of Pediatric Dentists in treating such malocclusions and lack of child management expertise among the Orthodontists and lack of timely identification and referrals by other health care providers, and caregivers. This presentation highlights the importance of early interceptive orthodontics for in very young children by means of successfully treated and followed–up cases carried out using proposed criteria for selection of a suitable treatment modality for the same, amongst the various options available. It also highlights how early identification of such malocclusion helps in correcting them using simple methods in tandem with the young child’s co-operation ability and also helps in avoiding more complicated orthodontic and surgical interventions when these are diagnosed and corrected at a later date. The presentation highlights benefits of early interception using simple removable appliances in 15 cases treated at age of 3- 6 years with follow -up till eruption of the permanent dentition.