Lec 6: Diagnostic Aids Flashcards
The most critical part of orthodontic treatment.
Diagnosis
Factors considered in planning treatment? (5)
1) Initial malocclusion
2) Growth
3) Patient’s primary concern (esthetics, etc.)
4) Treatment limitations
5) Treatment objectives.
These aids are indispensable for appraisal of the condition and its etiology for treatment planning.
Essential diagnostic aids
May be needed in certain cases and these aids usually require specialized equipment.
Supplemental diagnostic aids
Iincludes all the relevant information derived from the patient and the parents and is an essential prerequisite for planning and executing any orthodontic treatment.
Case history
Personal details (4)?
Name
Age
Sex
Occupation & Address
- The first important step towards understanding patient’s concern and treatment needs.
- Establishes a good rapport but also imparts confidence in the patient’s mind about the treatment provider.
- In case of children, it might help to know their pet names.
Name
- Will have a bearing on diagnosis, treatment planning, as well as the outcome of planned treatment.
- Certain malocclusions occurring during growth period are transient and self correcting.
- Growth modification procedures such as, functional and orthopedic orthodontic therapy can be carried out only during growth periods.
- Surgical resective procedures such as orthognathic surgeries are best carried out after cessation of growth.
- For the maintaining of shedding and eruption timetables as well.
Age
- Females are observed to precede males in growth related events such as, onset of growth spurts, eruption of teeth and onset of puberty.
- Also have a bearing on patient’s compliance towards certain types of orthodontic treatment.
Sex
- Gives an idea about socioeconomic condition, which might influence the selection of orthodontic appliances for the patient.
- Needed for future correspondence and for maintaining the record.
Address & Occupation
- For which patient seeks orthodontic care. It reflects what outcome he/she expects from the orthodontic treatment.
- Patient’s primary concern must be given priority during treatment planning
Chief complaint
- Invasive procedures such as extractions, band placement and removal should be covered with the recommended antibiotic regime.
- A chlorhexidine rinse prior to the adjustment of a fixed appliance is a useful adjunct, although daily long-term use of chlorhexidine may lead to bacterial resistance.
- If the patient’s oral hygiene deteriorates during the treatment, it may be advisable to discontinue appliance treatment.
Rheumatic fever
Because of the risk of damage to the mouth caused by a broken appliance, it is prudent to delay treatment in this group of patients until the condition is well controlled.
Epilepsy
It may be prudent to carry out a thorough investigation first, including referral for blood tests if indicated and to determine the effect of appliance before irreversible steps such as extraction is taken.
Recurrent aphthous ulcers
Atopic children may experience problems with a functional appliance during the summer months.
Hay fever / allergic rhinitis
