The Pediatric Dentist’s Eye: Spotting Early Signs for Orthodontic Referral

The Pediatric Dentist’s Eye: Spotting Early Signs for Orthodontic Referral

The pediatric dentist is often the first specialist to see a growing child, and is therefore in the best position to detect developing malocclusions early, when simple measures can still guide growth and prevent complex treatment later.

This lecture presents a practical, age-based screening approach for the primary and mixed dentition. Key red flags will be discussed: crossbites with functional shift, early Class III signs, open bite and oral habits, increased overjet, space loss, eruption disturbances, and missing or extra teeth, together with functional signs such as mouth breathing, low tongue posture and atypical swallowing.

Special focus will be given to very early orthodontic treatment in the deciduous and early mixed dentition. Simple but efficient interceptive therapy at this stage can correct posterior crossbites, mild to moderate Class III, certain Class II malocclusions, open bites and arch length discrepancies, reducing the complexity of later treatment or even avoiding complex and costly procedures during puberty.

Through clinical cases, participants will learn when to monitor, when to intercept and when to refer to the orthodontist.