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Minimum intervention in orthodontics

British Dental Journal volume 229, pages 467–471 (2020)Cite this article

Abstract

Minimum intervention is defined as the smallest value or number of interruptions. Intervention is defined as an action intended for a challenging situation to improve it or to prevent it from getting worse. This article defines what constitutes 'minimum intervention' in dentistry and specifically in orthodontics. It presents the clinical techniques that constitute the specialty of orthodontics and identifies the ones that are deemed as minimum interventions. This article also presents the scientific evidence backing several orthodontic techniques, rendering them acceptable by the profession over others with no or very poor scientific evidence, thus increasing the chances of suboptimal outcomes.

Key points

  • Understanding the principles of minimum intervention in orthodontics.

  • Understanding the range and scope of orthodontic treatment.

  • Understanding the general practitioner's role in providing orthodontic treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Department of Oral Health, West Block, Outpatient, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UY, UK

    Stefan Abela

  2. Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation Trust, London, UK

    Dirk Bister

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  1. Stefan Abela
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  2. Dirk Bister
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Correspondence to Stefan Abela.

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Abela, S., Bister, D. Minimum intervention in orthodontics. Br Dent J 229, 467–471 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-020-2152-z

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