IMPROVING EARLY DETECTION AND PREVENTION OF DISTAL PRICUS IN CHILDREN

This study is aimed at improving the early diagnostic capabilities for detecting distal occlusion in children at the preclinical stage of its development. The objective was to identify early morphological and functional markers indicating susceptibility to distal occlusion under short-term clinical observation and to assess their diagnostic significance. A prospective clinical observation was conducted in children aged 5–8 years over a period of 3–4 months. The sagittal position of primary canines, inclination of lower incisors, stability of lip closure, mandibular resting position, and relative facial profile parameters were evaluated in a comprehensive manner. Statistical analysis demonstrated that several micro-changes showed consistent reproducibility even within a short observation period. Minimal distal displacement of primary canines, early inclination changes of lower incisors, and decreased stability of lip closure were identified as clinically significant indicators of susceptibility to distal occlusion development (p < 0.05). Combined assessment of these markers enables identification of risk groups prior to the clinical manifestation of occlusal deformity. The scientific novelty of the study lies in substantiating the feasibility of detecting initial morphofunctional alterations associated with distal occlusion within a short-term observation period, as well as in developing practical early diagnostic criteria applicable in routine dental practice.