Evaluating the effectiveness of early orthodontic intervention in children with malocclusion: A longitudinal study

Natasha Sahu ¹, Arya Kumar Sen ², Durva M Vadke ³, Vidushi Sonthalia ⁴, Tapasya Maji ⁵, Partha Sarathi Mishra ⁶

¹Postgraduate trainee, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Institute of Dental Sciences, Siksha o Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
²Intern, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
³Postgraduate trainee, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Institute of Dental Sciences, Siksha o Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
⁴Postgraduate trainee, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Institute of Dental Sciences, Siksha o Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
⁵Postgraduate trainee, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Institute of Dental Sciences, Siksha o Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
⁶Postgraduate trainee, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, GITAM Dental College and Hospital, GITAM University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Author information

¹Email: sahunatasha.1999@gmail.com
²Email: aksen19735@gmail.com
³Email: durvavadke@gmail.com
⁴Email: vidushisonthalia@gmail.com
⁵Email: majitapasya606@gmail.com
⁶Email: docparth0304@gmail.com

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ABSTRACT

Background: Malocclusion is a common developmental condition in children that can adversely affect oral function, facial esthetics, and psychosocial well-being. Early orthodontic intervention during the mixed dentition period aims to intercept developing malocclusions and utilize active craniofacial growth for favorable treatment outcomes. However, the effectiveness of early treatment remains a topic of ongoing debate.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of early orthodontic intervention in children with malocclusion through a longitudinal clinical study.

Materials and Methods: This prospective longitudinal study included 100 children aged 7–10 years with developing malocclusion in the mixed dentition stage. Participants received individualized interceptive orthodontic treatment based on malocclusion type, including functional appliances, expansion devices, and habit-breaking appliances. Baseline and post-treatment records comprising clinical examinations, dental casts, photographs, and cephalometric radiographs were obtained. Key outcomes assessed were changes in overjet, overbite, arch length discrepancy, correction of crossbite, and skeletal parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA software, with paired t-tests applied to compare pre- and post-treatment measurements.

Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in occlusal and skeletal parameters following early orthodontic intervention. Mean overjet and overbite values showed significant reductions (p < 0.001). Crossbite correction was achieved in the majority of cases, and favorable sagittal skeletal changes were noted on cephalometric analysis. STATA analysis confirmed significant mean differences with narrow confidence intervals, indicating clinically meaningful treatment effects.

Conclusion: Early orthodontic intervention during the mixed dentition phase is effective in improving dental and skeletal characteristics in children with malocclusion. Timely interceptive treatment can reduce malocclusion severity and potentially minimize the need for complex orthodontic procedures later in life.

Keywords: Early orthodontic intervention, Interceptive orthodontics, Malocclusion, Mixed dentition, Pediatric orthodontics

How to cite this article: Sahu N, Sen AK, Vadke DM, Sonthalia V, Maji T, Mishra PS, Evaluating the effectiveness of early orthodontic intervention in children with malocclusion: A longitudinal study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(3s): 479-484; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.3s.61