Early orthodontic treatment practices and perceptions: A cross-sectional survey of AAO members

Early orthodontic treatment in the mid-mixed dentition stage was widely advocated for orthodontic intervention. Various malocclusions, including posterior and anterior crossbite, increased overjet, crowding, space loss and anterior open bite, were reported to be commonly addressed during this phase. Popular treatment approaches included sectional fixed appliances, Herbst appliance, facemask, rapid palatal expanders and anterior bite planes.