What does Orthodontics involve?
-Diagnosing
-Preventing
-Treating
.. the occlusal relationship of the teeth for optimum function & esthetics
What can Orthodontics treat?
-Straightens teeth (rotated, tilted or improperly aligned teeth)
-Corrects crowding/unevenly spaced teeth
-Corrects bite problems
-Aligns upper and lower jaws
How to Become a Orthodontist
-Undergraduate Degree (4 years - Bachelor of Sciences)
-Complete Dental Admission Test
-Four Years of Dental School to become a general dentist
-Complete an advanced ortho program (2-5 years Masters Degree)
-Write the National Dental Specialty Board Cert Exam
General Goal of Orthodontics
The timely diagnosis, prevention and correction (within patient’s limitations) of dental, jaw, and muscular irregularities that are responsible for the patient’s malocclusion
The 7 Specific Goals of Orthodontics
The Role of the DA in Orthodontics
Assist with orthodontic procedures performed in a general practice … or become an orthodontic assistant
How to become an Orthodontic Assistant?
in AB, to become an ortho assistant a post grad continuing education module is available
-provides participation with the knowledge and information required to reach a satisfactory level of competency in clinical orthodontics
-empahsis is placed on clinical procedures, obtaining diagnostic records, and patient care procedures
What can Orthodontic Assistants Do?
Orthodontic treatment can prevent/repair:
-Psychosocial problems (self-esteem, self-worth)
-Oral Malfunction (occlusion)
-Dental disease (dental decay, periodontal disease)
First Step in Ortho Treatment
Initial Consult and Interview
-Medical History
-Physical growth evaluation
-Social & behavioural evaluation
-clinical evaluation
-evaluation of oral health
-evaluation of jaw & occlusal function
Orthodontic Clinical Examination
-Document, measure & evaluate the facial aspects, the occlusal relationship and the functional characteristics of the jaws
-at the intial (records) visit, the orthodontist will decide which diagnosit evaluations are required
-records are necessary for the orthodontitist to make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan
Diagnostic Records: Photographs
Intra-oral Photographs - how?
In ortho, the face is examined for:
In ortho, The facial profile relationship is examined to..
The profile relationship is examined:
* To determine whether the jaws are proportionately positioned
* To evaluate lip protrusion
* To evaluate the vertical facial proportions and the mandibular plane angles
What do Craniofacial images include?
-Panoramic & Cephalometric Xrays
Panoramic Radiographs are used to diagnose..
-Eruption patterns
-Supernumerary teeth or congenitally missing teeth
-Impacted teeth
-Bone levels between teeth
-Root lengths and morphology
-Dental pathology
-TMJ Screening
-Tumors or cysts
-Evaluate root paralleling before band/bond removal (if roots are straight)
What is a Cephalometric Radiograph?
GROWTH PATTERNS **
Computed Tompgraphy (CT)
Why are Impressions taken for orthodontics?
(Alginate impressions and plaster/stone, or 3D scan)
Used as diagnostic tool, for treatment progression, comparision and permanent record of completion of treatment
Ortho Case Presentation
Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
1. The orthodontist will use the diagnostic records
*Determines treatment best suited to the patient’s needs
2. The patient is provided with treatment options
3. Patient chooses a treatment
4. Contract and financial agreement is signed
What 2 documents must the patient sign?
Informed Consent - must be signed by patient or patient guardian
Financial Contract - agreement for costs
Types of Orthodontic Treatment
What is Preventive Orthodontics?
-Preventing orthodontic problems from occuring
-correcting habbits (like sucking thumb)
-maintaining space