The significant increase in the prevalence of malocclusions between the primary and mixed dentition--distoclusion and lateral crossbite, and the impairment of vertical occlusal relationships in the mixed dentition in particular--reveal the need for orthodontic prevention. They highlight the absence of applied interceptive and early treatment measures in orthodontics. The indication system in current use for early orthodontic treatment here in Germany fails to fulfill the requirements for prevention-oriented dental care.

Habitual open mouth posture (expressing hypotonia in the perioral muscles) and a visceral swallowing pattern become established during the primary dentition and are increasingly carried over into the mixed dentition period. Both criteria, along with assessment of occlusal relationships, are appropriate parameters with which to identify "children at risk for orthodontic treatment".