Analysis of Lateral Skull Radiograph
When visiting the orthodontist’s office, patients are often
under the impression that the orthodontist is simply looking at the teeth and
trying to determine how to mechanically make the teeth straighter. This
notion is only half of the equation. What an orthodontist should also be
determining is how a malocclusion (bad bite) may have developed.
Diagnosis of the underlying problems associated with malocclusion is most
important when trying to determine how to treat a patient with orthodontics.
A thorough diagnostic record should be taken prior to any treatment
decision. This may include the decision to wait on treatment.
Common records in our office consist of radiographs, models of the teeth,
photographs, and a rhinomanometry test, which tests nasal resistance and the
ability to breathe properly through the nose. When evaluating the
records, careful consideration of underlying habits such as mouth breathing,
tongue thrusting, thumb or finger sucking, and low or forward tongue posture
need to be identified when planning treatment. If bad habits or poor
function are left unrecognized and are not addressed as part of the treatment,
poor orthodontic stability often occurs. The technology present in
orthodontics today, includes volumetric radiographs (CBCT) and computer
analysis of skeletal, dental, and airway structures. This technology
allows for a more complete diagnosis and a holistic approach to treating
patients and not just a focus on the teeth alone. This approach to
diagnosis and treatment planning then becomes individualized to fit the
patient’s needs with careful considerations given to contributing causes of
malocclusions. This in turn produces a more stable, functional, as well as
cosmetic result.
We offer complimentary consultations and often suggest
taking a diagnostic record in order to gather all the information necessary to
make a complete diagnosis of the patient. Patients are not charged in our
office until treatment begins. We do not believe the diagnostic record
and treatment conference appointments should be barriers to treatment for our
patients. Patients deserve all the necessary information prior to making
an informed treatment decision.