The impact of early orthodontic treatment on class II and III malocclusions: A scoping review

This study aimed to synthesize current scientific evidence on the impact of early orthodontic treatment in patients with Class II and Class III malocclusions. A scoping review was conducted, drawing from previous clinical studies. Comprehensive literature searches were performed across PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science for studies published between 2011 and 2024. After screening and applying inclusion criteria, nine studies were selected for analysis. Results demonstrated that early intervention in Class II cases – particularly with functional appliances such as Twin Blocks and modified C-palatal plates – significantly reduced overjet, improved skeletal relationships, and decreased trauma risk. In Class III malocclusions, orthopedic appliances such as protraction facemasks and rapid palatal expansion were effective in improving sagittal relationships and facial balance. Quantitative findings indicated positive treatment outcomes in 80.5% of Class II and 66.1% of Class III cases, respectively. However, limitations such as growth unpredictability, patient compliance, and variable long-term stability were also noted, with negative outcomes reported in 19.5% of Class II and 33.9% of Class III treatments. Overall, early orthodontic treatment can be a beneficial phase in managing skeletal malocclusions, but its success depends on individualized case selection and timing. Further research with standardized protocols and long-term follow-up is recommended to optimize results.