Long term evaluation of orthodontic diagnoses made at the ages of 7 and 10 years.

Abstract

200 children selected at random, were examined at the ages of 7, 10, 12 and 15. The reliability of the orthodontic diagnosis made at the age of 7 was tested at different ages. In severe cases judged to be in need of corrective treatment at the age of 7, the need persisted. Of 69 children in need of observation at the age of 7, 66.7 per cent were in need of treatment or had already been treated by the age of 15. Of those children who were not in need of any orthodontic treatment at the age of 7, every third was in need of treatment or had been treated by the age of 15. Considerable changes in the occlusion took place between the ages of 7 and 15. Most misjudgements were made about dental arch crowding. At the age of ten the orthodontic condition could be seen more clearly. Surprising changes in crowding for example, retained cuspids and the development of scissors-bite, occurred even after the age of 12. Repeated orthodontic check-ups are required between the ages of 7 and 15 to evaluate the real requirements for treatment. The total need for orthodontic treatment in an age cohort was high (23–46 per cent). An index to rank the cases in need of orthodontic treatment according to severity of malocclusion is an administrative necessity.