Minimally invasive orthodontic management: a paradigm shift in interceptive care. Part II - early management of oral habit-related malocclusions.

INTRODUCTION

Deleterious oral habits are common during childhood and, when persistent, may influence craniofacial growth and occlusal development. Among the malocclusions associated with oral habits, anterior open bite (AOB) and posterior crossbite (PCB) are particularly noteworthy.

OBJECTIVE

This article presents a conceptual and clinical overview of oral habits and their impact on occlusal development, with emphasis on early diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Orthodontic (MIO) management.

RESULTS

The literature describes associations between non-nutritive sucking, tongue interposition, mouth breathing, and occlusal alterations, especially dentoalveolar AOB and transverse maxillary deficiency. The reported interceptive approaches focus on habit interruption, combined with simple orthodontic appliances and interdisciplinary management.

CONCLUSIONS

An interdisciplinary orthodontic approach to the management of oral habit-related malocclusions improves functional balance and quality of life during childhood, while reducing the complexity of comprehensive treatment. These principles represent the primary purpose of the "Orange July" campaign and MIO, which emphasizes timely preventive and interceptive approaches during childhood.