Orthodontic treatment timing: Opinion of orthodontic faculty in the United States

Introduction. Orthodontic treatment timing is an ongoing debate. Extensive review of the literatures reveals that Class I and Class II malocclusions can be treated successfully in one phase of treatment, while functional shifts and Class III malocclusions should be treated in two phases. Objectives. The aim of the study was to survey orthodontic faculty in the United States, and qualitatively assess if what they teach is consistent with the orthodontic literature. Materials and methods. An electronic survey was sent to 600 orthodontic faculty members. Statistical analysis used percentages and regression analysis. Results. There was one significant age related correlation to Part A questions (R2 = .108 and p ≤ 0.031). Discussion. Overall the faculty favors early treatment for Class III malocclusions and functional shifts. They favor one-phase treatment for Class I and Class II malocclusions. Conclusions. The faculty members that answered the survey teach relatively consistent with the literature.