Mixed dentition treatment case report.

Malocclusions can be successfully treated in the mixed dentition (Phase I), which can usually significantly reduce the need for comprehensive orthodontic treatment in the permanent dentition. Phase I of orthodontic treatment is designed to correct the skeletal and dental malocclusions at an early age. Treatment usually lasts for 12 to 20 months. Following Phase I treatment, there is a supervision phase of 18 to 30 months in which to hold the correction achieved during early treatment while supervising the eruption of the remaining permanent teeth. If a second phase of orthodontic treatment is required, the treatment time is usually limited to 6 to 18 months, depending on the malocclusion, growth direction, and increments. Treatment time for the patient in this report was extended primarily because of the teaching clinic environment. At the University of the Pacific, we have observed that Phase I of orthodontic treatment produces a more stable long-term orthodontic result, reduces the need for premolar extractions, creates less temporomandibular joint problems at a later age, and achieves a better profile balance.