Interceptive and orthopedic orthodontic treatments performed in pediatric dentistry practice and the factors associated with treatment patterns

Abstract

Objective: To investigate issues related to diagnosing malocclusions and patterns of interceptive and orthopedic treatments performed by Brazilian pediatric dentists. Material and Methods: Participants were recruited via electronic invitation using the snowball sampling recruitment strategy. A questionnaire designed specifically for the study was sent to participants. Results: 120 pediatric dentists, predominantly female (83.3%) with a mean age of 42.7 (±11.7) years, participated in the study. Thirty-two (26.7%) professionals had additional Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics training. Of the professionals in activity, 68.1% (77/113) perform interceptive orthodontics, 53% (60/113) perform functional jaw orthopedics, and 36.3% (41/113) perform corrective orthodontics. On average, the frequency of monthly interceptive orthodontic consultations was less than 10 for 33.3% of pediatric dentists. Having training in Orthodontics influenced the indication of early orthodontic treatment for ectopic canines (p=0.02), ectopic molars (p=0.02), anterior crossbite (p=0.03) and regarding the ideal time for interception of Class II malocclusion (1st division), indicating the pubertal period (p=0.04). Overall, pediatric dentists with a postgraduate degree in Orthodontics performed more treatments with interceptive appliances (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated different patterns in the diagnosis of malocclusions and in the interceptive orthodontic treatment when specialists in pediatric dentistry had additional training in Orthodontics.