HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which orthodontic procedure involves the use of space maintainers in growing children?

1. Preventive orthodontics

2. Interceptive orthodontics

3. Surgical orthodontics

4. Adjunctive orthodontics

The correct answer is: Interceptive orthodontics

Interceptive orthodontics focuses on taking proactive measures to manage developing dental issues in children before they worsen. This approach often includes the use of space maintainers, which are critical in situations where primary teeth are lost prematurely. Space maintainers help to preserve the space in the dental arch, ensuring that there is enough room for the permanent teeth to erupt correctly. By utilizing these devices, orthodontists can guide the growth and alignment of the teeth, potentially reducing the need for more extensive treatments later on. Preventive orthodontics typically aims at minimizing the development of more severe problems at an early stage but does not specifically involve the treatment of existing issues like the loss of primary teeth. Surgical orthodontics usually requires more invasive procedures and is often focused on correcting jaw discrepancies, rather than managing the space in the dental arch for growing children. Adjunctive orthodontics refers to treatments that support primary orthodontic therapies, rather than directly addressing issues related to tooth spacing for children.