Interceptive orthodontics and preventive orthodontics
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics · Dental (BDS)
Tooth explorer
Interactive 3DPeel through enamel, dentin and pulp — then switch to implants, braces or dentures.
Controls
Drag the sliders or type a value — the simulation updates live.
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Study notes
A 7-year-old loses a deciduous molar early. Why place a space maintainer immediately? The neighbouring teeth will drift into the empty space within months, stealing the room the permanent premolar needs — causing impaction or crowding. A simple band-and-loop space maintainer holds the gap passively until eruption. Students learn this as pure prevention: a tiny appliance now avoids extractions or complex orthodontics years later.
Related topics
- Growth and development of craniofacial complex
- Development of dentition and occlusion: deciduous to permanent
- Malocclusion: Angle's classification, Ackerman-Proffit system
- Etiology of malocclusion: genetic, environmental, habits
- Diagnostic records: study models, photographs, radiographs
- Cephalometrics: landmarks, analyses — Steiner, Tweed, Downs