Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate 1. any changes in orthodontic treatment need from the early mixed to the early permanent dentition, and 2. any effects of early orthodontic intervention on the need for treatment in the early permanent dentition. Methods: The study population consisted of all children born in 1987 in one rural geographic area of Finland (N=89). Clinical examinations were carried out in 1994, -97 and -99 when the subjects were 7, 10 and 12 years of age. The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) was used to assess orthodontic treatment need. Interceptive orthodontic treatment, mainly with headgear, quad helix or myofunctional appliances was started in children with an IOTN score 4 or 5. No multibonded appliances were used before age 12. Results: A total of 26 subjects (29 % ) had clear treatment need with IOTN scores 4 or 5, at age 7. The corresponding figures at ages 10 and 12 were 7 % and 9 %. Of the children with IOTN score 1 or 2 (N=49, 55 %), indicating no treatment need at age 7, only 3 subjects presented need for treatment, IOTN scores 4 or 5, at age 12. Conclusions: We conclude that orthodontic treatment in the early mixed dentition of subjects demonstrating a definite need for treatment may effectively reduce the expression of orthodontic treatment need in the early permanent dentition. We also conclude that screening for treatment need at age 7 may serve as a useful indicator for treatment need at age 12.

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