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Interceptive orthodontics
LETTERS
TO THE EDITOR
Interceptive orthodontics To the Editor: On my return trip from the Northeastern meeting in Boston, l very carefully read your editorial entitled “Interceptive Orthodontics: Indications and Limitations” in the November issue of the JOURNAL. Your case is clearly stated, but l feel a reply is forthcoming. Interceptive orthodontics, which is a discipline not necessarily new, has been appearing in the literature with increasing frequency. It appears to mean many things to many people. There is an orthodontic concept, an orthopedic concept, a pedodontic concept, a general practitioner concept, and finally, a concept alluded to by the manufacturer of dental materials. It is my opinion that before setting our “sights” on the practice of this discipline, the following guidelines must be delineated: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
A definition of “interceptive orthodontics.” A classification of cases amenable to interceptive orthodontic Cases better left alone until the permanent dentition. Treatment objectives and a rationale for these objectives. A definition of the terms “growth” and “development.” The normal at different chronologic ages. Practice management of cases treated interceptively. A review of current appliance therapy and design.
treatment.
An article or a series of articles with the above guidelines in view would inform the conscientious dentist, without orthodontic training, of the limitations and contraindications of interceptive orthodontics. It would also, I believe, reduce the need for premolar extraction in the permanent dentition-not necessarily eliminate it. It would introduce a new dimension to the practice of preventive dentistry. to be used interchangeably with I cannot accept the term “preventive orthodontics” The former is a sematic creation. We do not use the the term “interceptive orthodontics.” terms such as “preventive obstetrics” and “preventive urology.” We do use the term “preventive medicine.” I personally feel that the moment appliances are introduced, we are engaged in a curative phase of dentistry, even if it is for the purpose of preventing a more severe malocclusion.
Hyman Moskotitz, D.D.X. 85 Pou.rth Ave. New York, New York 10003
200
TO THE EDITOR
Interceptive orthodontics To the Editor: On my return trip from the Northeastern meeting in Boston, l very carefully read your editorial entitled “Interceptive Orthodontics: Indications and Limitations” in the November issue of the JOURNAL. Your case is clearly stated, but l feel a reply is forthcoming. Interceptive orthodontics, which is a discipline not necessarily new, has been appearing in the literature with increasing frequency. It appears to mean many things to many people. There is an orthodontic concept, an orthopedic concept, a pedodontic concept, a general practitioner concept, and finally, a concept alluded to by the manufacturer of dental materials. It is my opinion that before setting our “sights” on the practice of this discipline, the following guidelines must be delineated: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
A definition of “interceptive orthodontics.” A classification of cases amenable to interceptive orthodontic Cases better left alone until the permanent dentition. Treatment objectives and a rationale for these objectives. A definition of the terms “growth” and “development.” The normal at different chronologic ages. Practice management of cases treated interceptively. A review of current appliance therapy and design.
treatment.
An article or a series of articles with the above guidelines in view would inform the conscientious dentist, without orthodontic training, of the limitations and contraindications of interceptive orthodontics. It would also, I believe, reduce the need for premolar extraction in the permanent dentition-not necessarily eliminate it. It would introduce a new dimension to the practice of preventive dentistry. to be used interchangeably with I cannot accept the term “preventive orthodontics” The former is a sematic creation. We do not use the the term “interceptive orthodontics.” terms such as “preventive obstetrics” and “preventive urology.” We do use the term “preventive medicine.” I personally feel that the moment appliances are introduced, we are engaged in a curative phase of dentistry, even if it is for the purpose of preventing a more severe malocclusion.
Hyman Moskotitz, D.D.X. 85 Pou.rth Ave. New York, New York 10003
200