Interceptive or functional orthodontics
Mixed dentition is a phase that occurs between the ages of 6 and 12, when children have a combination of primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth at the same time. During this period, the jaw bones are developing and are therefore more malleable, which provides a unique opportunity to correct dental and orthodontic problems more effectively.
The aim of treatment at this stage is to intercept problems in the growth phase, that is, to correct any alterations before they worsen or become more complex in adulthood. The problems that arise in mixed dentition can have different causes, such as hereditary factors, bad habits (thumb sucking, oral breathing, etc.), or imbalances in the growth of the jaws.
Some of the common conditions treated during mixed dentition include:
- Malocclusions
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Incorrect oral habits
Conventional appliances
Functional appliances, mostly removable, require daily wear of 14-16 hours and treatment for approximately 12 months. The most common are:
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Disjunctor: Expands the jaw rapidly in cases of compression. It is activated for 15 days and then remains passive for 6 months.
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Sander Guides: Removable, advances the mandible and slowly expands the jaws. Used in Class II cases for 12 months.
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Facial mask: Extraoral appliance which, combined with the disjunctor, advances the upper jaw in class III cases.
Brackets 2x4
2×4 braces are an orthodontic option that uses metal brackets placed specifically on the 4 incisors (the front teeth) and the 2 first permanent molars, either in the upper or lower arch or both, depending on the case.
This type of appliance is used temporarily in the early stages of orthodontic treatment to address specific problems, such as lack of space or deep bites.
- Early correction
- Preparation for other equipment
- Less invasive treatment
