EFFECTIVENESS OF EARLY ORTHODONTIC INTERVENTION FOR CLASS II AND CLASS III MALOCCLUSIONS IN ADOLESCENTS: A META-ANALYSIS OF CLINICAL OUTCOMES, OVERJET REDUCTION, AND LONG-TERM STABILITY.
Main Article Content
Keywords
Early orthodontic intervention, malocclusion, incisal trauma, overjet reduction, long-term stability.
Abstract
Background: Malocclusion, a misalignment of teeth and jaws, is a common dental issue that affects both the function and esthetics of the mouth. If untreated, it can lead to complications like trauma, periodontal disease, and temporomandibular joint disorders. This study evaluates the effectiveness of early orthodontic intervention in preventing malocclusion by analyzing clinical outcomes, treatment timing, and long-term stability in adolescents.
Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Scopus was conducted from 2005 to 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews evaluating early orthodontic treatments. The analysis included children and adolescents aged 6-14 years who received early orthodontic treatment. Studies were compared against late treatments or no interventions. Data from these studies were synthesized using Hedges’ g for effect size and I² for heterogeneity, with publication bias assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test.
Results: Nine studies involving 166 to 800 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Early intervention significantly reduced the incidence of incisal trauma, with trauma rates in early treatment groups ranging from 19% to 20% compared to 29% to 30% in late treatment groups. Overjet reduction averaged 7.0 mm in early treatment groups, compared to 4.8 mm in late treatment groups. Class II correction success was 82% with early treatment, compared to 65% with late treatment. Skeletal stability, particularly in mandibular growth, showed significant improvement. The long-term stability of results ranged from 75% to 90% over 2-7 years, with fixed retainers providing better stability than removable retainers.
Conclusions: Early orthodontic intervention offers significant benefits in reducing trauma, improving skeletal alignment, and ensuring better long-term stability in adolescents with malocclusion. The findings suggest that early intervention should be prioritized, particularly for high-risk patients, to avoid more invasive treatments in the future. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to refine treatment protocols and establish long-term retention strategies.
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Mohammad Momin Khan
Shifa College of Dentistry, Islamabad, Pakistan, Momin5jan@gmail.com
Shanzay Wazir
Shifa College Of Dentistry, Islamabad, Pakistan Shanzay.wazir1@gmail.com
Amna Bint e Rashid
Shifa College of Dentistry, Islamabad, Pakistan, Amnarashid8267@gmail.com , https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9314-8205
Muhammad afeef ali
Shifa college of dentistry islamabad, Pakistan, Aliafeef16@gmail.com
Hava inam
Shifa college of dentistry, Islamabad, Pakistan, Shehrezadjamshed2001@gmail.com
Shehrezad Jamshed
Shifa college of dentistry, Islamabad, Paksitan. Havainam29@gmail.com
Rida Malik
Shifa College of Dentistry, Islamabad Pakistan. Ridamalik270@gmail.com
Marwa Elahi
Shifa College of Dentistry, Islamabad, Pakistan. elahimarwa@gmail.com
Zainab Mahmood
Shifa College of Dentistry, Islamabad, Pakistan, Zainabmahmood2025-049@stmu.edu.pk