Fundamentals of Interceptive Orthodontics: Optimizing Dentofacial Growth and Development.

Interceptive orthodontics is intended to optimize dentofacial growth and development. This treatment concept attempts to prevent or minimize dental development abnormalities while enabling craniofacial growth modification. Utilizing preventative holistic concepts, it also focuses on habit intervention. Interceptive orthodontics in children entails monitoring for a variety of conditions, including excessive space, severe crowding, open or deep bites, anterior and/or posterior crossbites, severe overjet, and abnormal eruption patterns. This article will review the etiologies of these clinical presentations, categorizing them into three groupings: abnormalities in development, craniofacial growth alterations, and oral habits. The prevention of orthodontic issues also will be discussed.