Early orthodontic treatment in a Finnish public health centre: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Objectives: The aim of this observational cross-sectional one-centre study was to assess whether the previously described national orthodontic treatment practises and international recommendations are implemented in a public health care centre in Finland. We also assessed early treatment practices and appliances used. Methods: The study group comprised 801 children born in 2011 and 2012 residing in the Riihimaki health centre catchment area in Finland, representing 80% of the age cohort. The patient records were examined for data on orthodontic treatment, timing of treatment, appliances used, and occlusal traits. Results: The children had been examined by four orthodontist specialists and two orthodontic post-graduate students. Mean age at occlusal examination had been 9years. Of the children, 212 (26%) were undergoing or had undergone orthodontic treatment. An additional 4.4% were scheduled for treatment. The proportion of children deemed to need treatment was significantly different between the different orthodontists. The most frequently used appliances were quad-helix (30%), eruption guidance appliance (20%), head gear (14%), fixed appliances (10%), protraction facemask (10%), and passive mandibular lingual arch (6%). Conclusions: Nearly one-third of children aged less than 12 years in the health centre were currently or had been in orthodontic treatment. Approximately half had received treatment with either quadhelix or eruption guidance appliance.