Abstract
Traditionally, the diagnosis in orthodontics gives a lot of importance to cephalometry and the analysis of the dental casts. The development of new technologies does not intend to discard traditional concepts, in fact, it intends to provide more information allowing a wider approach of our patients and resulting in a more thorough diagnosis.
Introduction
Adapting to new three-dimensional concepts is not an easy task and is even harder considering that the information is so vast that it can result overwhelming. That is why when evaluating a patient for orthodontic treatment, it is intended to use a systematic method so that we can obtain the most essential information that these methods provide.
The method consists of the following:
·· Coronal, sagittal and axial general visualisation
·· Teeth and surrounding structures
·· Airways and paranasal sinuses
·· Soft tissues
·· Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
General visualisations
To perform a general exploration, it is necessary to know the three anatomical planes: coronal plane, sagittal plane and axial plane.
Teeth and surrounding bone structures
For obvious reasons, one of the main areas to check is the dental zone. Images that allow to check the teeth that are present and the ones in process of eruption, if that is the case, should be generated. As well as the characteristics of the adjacent bone and even take some numeric references.
Breathing is the foundation of life. CBCT scans offer a precise visual of the airways and surrounding craniofacial structures that influence them, such as the mandible, palate, paranasal sinuses, facial relations, adenoid tissue, tonsils and more. This view of the airway completely changes the perception of the specialist and, most important, the life of the patients.
The evaluation of the soft tissues in a three-dimensional system and without magnification is ideal for the orthodontist because he/she, can now evaluate the patient fully with one exam, completely changing his perspective. Previously, with 2-D images we only had the possibility of making an unilateral evaluation of the skull and structures unless, of course, several X-rays were taken and complementary analysis in each of them.
The TMJ is, by definition, a ginglymus diarthrodial complex joint. This complexity is reflected in the knowledge and importance that each professional gives it. There are a number of specialists for who the TMJ is remote from the teeth and does not interfere with orthodontic treatment. On the extreme opposite side, for the other group of specialists, the TMJ is the foundation on where they base all their treatments. Whichever concept the doctor has on this, the evaluation of the TMJ should be included in the diagnosis.
The specialist cannot be unaware of the constant advances in technology. Of course, these developments have to be taken in moderation and with responsibility because it does not substitute the knowledge acquired during ones professional training and even less the experience obtained from treating patients. Needless to say, an effort is required for the training and understanding of these new systems but such systems are every time easier and perceptibles and the quality, quantity and usefulness of the information it generates is unquestionable. It is important to remember the concept that we are healthcare providers and our goal is more than to just straighten teeth. Therefore, it is mandatory to diagnose our patients fully and when necessary, seek consultation from other specialists, since nowadays a great number of our patients require multidisciplinary treatments.
Acknowledgement
The author would like to thank the Group Cedirama Digital, for their constant support in the realisation of the exams and software managing; especially to Elie Matta Haddad, BBA.
