Predicting orthodontic treatment need: reliability and validity of the Demand for Orthodontic Treatment Questionnaire.

Objectives: To identify key measures in predicting orthodontic treatment need and to propose a self-assessment instrument that improves treatment need assessment. Subjects and methods: The study included 150 randomly selected 13-year-olds. A set of measures linked to a previous study on daily life impact of malocclusion was processed, resulting in an instrument, the Demand for Orthodontic Treatment Questionnaire (DOTQ), which was analysed regarding dimensionality, reliability and validity. Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN-DHC) grading, representing professionally assessed treatment need, were collected from dental records. The instrument's ability to predict treatment need was tested by randomly splitting the dataset into two subgroups, using multiple regression to predict DHC in one of the groups and the prediction equation to calculate predicted DHC in the other. The outcomes were then correlated to detect the predictive power of the DOTQ, and thereby the validity of the prediction. Results: The DOTQ-measures were reliable and highly inter-correlated. A high, significant correlation was found between assessed and predicted treatment need for the subgroups (r = 0.59 and 0.49), confirming the validity of the prediction. Independent variables (the measures) explained 47 per cent (R = 0.69) of the variance in treatment need. Four measures contributed significantly to the prediction, with Treatment Demand being the most powerful predictor. Limitations: The age group and response rate may raise some questions regarding the generalizability of the findings. Conclusions: The DOTQ is able to predict treatment need as assessed by orthodontic consultants. Its incorporation in the treatment need assessment process will acknowledge patients' self-perceived impact of malocclusion.

Determinants of orthodontic treatment need and demand: a cross-sectional path model study.

OBJECTIVES: To put forward a model predicting orthodontic treatment need and demand. Furthermore, to explore how much of the variance in treatment demand could be explained by a set of self-assessed measures, and how these measures relate to professionally assessed treatment need. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty adolescents, aged 13 years, completed a questionnaire which included a set of self-assessed measures dealing with self-esteem, such as dental and global self-esteem, various aspects of malocclusion, such as perceived malocclusion and perceived functional limitation, and treatment demand. Treatment need was assessed by Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need grading. Path analysis was used to examine the relations between the measures and if they could predict treatment need and demand. RESULTS: The measures proved to be reliable and inter-correlated. Path analysis revealed that the proposed model had good fit to the data, providing a test of the unique effect of all included measures on treatment need and demand. The model explained 33% of the variance in treatment demand and 22% of the variance in treatment need. LIMITATIONS: The specific age group could affect the generalizability of the findings. Moreover, although showing good fit to data, the final model is based on a combination of theoretical reasoning and semi-explorative approach. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed model displays the unique effect of each included measure on treatment need and demand, explaining a large proportion of the variance in perceived treatment demand and professionally assessed treatment need. The model would hopefully lead to improved and more cost-efficient predictions of treatment need and demand.

Daily life impact of malocclusion in Swedish adolescents: a grounded theory study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore how malocclusions affect daily life in adolescents and how adolescents cope with malocclusion-related distress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve strategically selected teenagers, seven girls and five boys aged 13-14 years, participated in this study. Open, tape-recorded in-depth interviews based on Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were performed using a theme guide and analyzed according to the qualitative method of classic grounded theory (GT). RESULTS: A core category was identified and named 'Repeatedly reminded of the malocclusion'. Associated to the core category, five categories were generated and labeled 'Being directed by the media's ideal image', 'Monitoring others' teeth', 'Struggling with low self-esteem', 'Hiding one's teeth' and 'Striving for cure'. Low self-esteem appeared to be frequently reinforced through the concerns for the malocclusion and handled via different coping strategies, such as hiding the teeth and striving to receive orthodontic treatment. Such processes were further enforced through the influence of media. Low self-esteem could be associated to a visible malposition of teeth, according to the informants. Having to wait for orthodontic treatment was frustrating the adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with malocclusion are often reminded of their condition, which can lead to avoiding strategies to minimize the negative feelings associated with the teeth and low self-esteem. Clinicians may therefore need to be aware of potential irrational behaviors when interacting with adolescents with malocclusions. The findings also suggest that there might be a discrepancy of attitudes between professionals focusing on oral health aspects of malocclusions and the adolescents focusing on esthetic aspects.

Effects of masticatory muscle training on maximum bite force and muscular endurance.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effects of chewing training on strength and endurance of the masticatory muscles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 49 healthy young adults included in the study, nine served as controls for a baseline measurement of bite force. The 40 participants who actively trained their masticatory muscles were randomly divided into a 'continuous training group' (CTG) and an 'intermittent training group' (ITG). The participants performed oral motor training by clenching silicon tubes (Chewy Tubes(™)) according to a designed protocol. The muscular strength was studied in terms of maximum bite force. Muscular endurance was evaluated by measuring the duration for which the participants held 50% of their maximum bite force value. RESULTS: Both the maximum bite force and the muscular endurance capacity increased after intensive training for both groups. After 2 months, the ITG stopped training for 1 month. At this point, a significant difference was identified both in the mean bite force values and the mean muscular endurance duration: the ITG exhibited lower values. For both groups, the highest values were attained after 3 months of training. The maximum bite force values and the muscular endurance duration were observed to follow similar patterns. The effects attained decreased rapidly in both groups when the training stopped. CONCLUSIONS: For both the continuous and intermittent training groups, 4 months of chewing exercises strengthened masticatory muscles, but such effects diminished gradually for both groups when the exercises stopped.

Pain, discomfort, and use of analgesics following the extraction of primary canines in children with palatally displaced canines.

BACKGROUND. Pain following the extraction of the primary canine in children with palatally displaced canines (PDC) as an interceptive treatment has not been investigated. AIMS. To describe pain, discomfort, dental anxiety, and use of analgesics following the extraction of primary canines in children with PDC. DESIGN. Forty-four children, aged 10-13 with PDC, were included. Pain intensity, discomfort, and analgesic consumption were rated the first evening and 1 week after the extraction of the primary canine. Dental anxiety was assessed pre-extraction, using the dental anxiety scale (DAS). A matched reference group also completed the DAS. RESULTS. No significant differences were found between the study and the reference group regarding the pre-extraction assessments. Post-extraction pain and discomfort was low. The experience of the injection was graded worse than the extraction, and more pain was rated at the evening post-extraction than during the extraction. Analgesics were used only the first evening. High correlation was detected between DAS and pain during injection and extraction. CONCLUSIONS. The experience of pain and discomfort during and after extraction of the primary canines is low, despite that 42% of the children used analgesics. Therefore, appropriate analgesics and recommendation doses pre- and post-extraction should be prescribed.

Comparing patients with Apert and Crouzon syndromes--clinical features and cranio-maxillofacial surgical reconstruction.

Cranio-maxillofacial malformations, as seen in Crouzon and Apert syndromes, may impose an immense distress on both function and aesthetics of the person affected. The aims of this study were to describe and compare the main facial and intraoral features of patients with Apert and Crouzon syndromes, the clinical manifestations that may be present, additionally to the main syndromic traits, as well as the cranio-maxillofacial surgical treatment protocols followed.Twenty-three patients with Apert syndrome (6 males, 17 females), and 28 patients with Crouzon syndrome (20 males, 8 females) were evaluated for general medical aspects, craniofacial characteristics, dentoalveolar traits before and after the final orthognathic surgery, and types and timing of cranio-maxillofacial operations. Mental retardation, associated additional malformations, cleft palate, and extensive lateral palatal soft tissue swellings were more common in children with Apert syndrome. In both syndromes, clinical findings included concave profile, negative overjet, posterior crossbites, anterior openbite, and dental midline deviation, which were corrected in almost all cases with the final orthognathic surgery, with the exception of the lateral crossbites, including more than one tooth pair, which were persisting in about half of the cases. Cranial vault decompression and/or reshaping, midfacial and orbital advancement procedures, often in conjunction with a mandibular setback, were the most frequent cranio-maxillofacial operations performed. In conclusion, Apert syndrome is more asymmetric in nature and a more severe clinical entity than Crouzon syndrome. The syndromic dentofacial features of both conditions could be significantly improved after a series of surgical procedures in almost all cases with the exception of the posterior crossbites, with haIf of them persisting post-surgically.

Dental agenesis patterns of permanent teeth in Apert syndrome.

Dental agenesis may either occur as an isolated trait (non-syndromic) or as a component in a congenital syndrome. The aim of the present study was to identify the prevalence of dental agenesis for each type of tooth and to look for dental agenesis patterns in persons with Apert syndrome. Serial panoramic radiographs of 23 individuals (five male patients and 18 female patients) were examined. Third molars were excluded. The prevalence of agenesis for at least one tooth was 34.8%. Up to two missing teeth were found for individuals with Apert syndrome. Maxillary lateral incisors and mandibular second premolars were the most frequently missing teeth. Four different dental agenesis patterns of the entire dentition were identified by using the tooth agenesis code (TAC). Two patterns occurred more frequently, both of which were symmetrical. One involved the simultaneous absence of teeth 12 and 22, and the other showed agenesis of teeth 35 and 45. In conclusion, patients with Apert syndrome were found to exhibit a high prevalence of dental agenesis. All dental agenesis patterns in which more than one tooth was missing were symmetrical.

Living with Crouzon syndrome: how do young adults with Crouzon syndrome handle their life situation?

BACKGROUND: Recent research has been focused on those attributes that appear to buffer a person against the stresses and strains of living with a visible difference. AIM: To provide some insight on how young adults with Crouzon syndrome handle their life. DESIGN: Telephone interviews were carried out with eight Crouzon syndrome individuals (six males, two females, mean age 25.4 years) and data were analysed according to the qualitative method of grounded theory. RESULTS: The informants' main concern was to make the best of their situation, showing that even in adverse conditions, as in Crouzon syndrome, several individuals do find ways to live with their difference and to succeed in various aspects of life, using strategies they construct. Such strategies, as identified from the present investigation, were labelled: committed to an engaging activity, avoiding exposed situations, actively launching oneself, struggling with normalizing facial appearance, and lowering the expectations of finding a love partner. CONCLUSIONS: The adaptation of successful coping strategies seemed to be crucial in the quest of attainment of higher self-esteem. The more the participants in the study used the coping strategies they had developed over time, the better they handled their life situation, which led to enhanced well-being.

Dental agenesis patterns in Crouzon syndrome.

Dental agenesis may be present in an isolated familiar manner, or occur as a part of a syndrome.To date, this clinical trait seems to have been overlooked in patients with Crouzon syndrome.The aim of the present study was to investigate dental agenesis and dental agenesis patterns in a population of persons with Crouzon syndrome in Sweden. Serial panoramic radiographs of 26 individuals with Crouzon syndrome (20 males, 6 females) were examined.Third molars were excluded from the assessment. The prevalence of agenesis for at least one tooth was 42.3%. Each affected patient was found to have up to 5 missing teeth. Upper and lower second premolars were the most frequently congenitally missing teeth. Eleven dental agenesis patterns of the entire dentition were identified, as described by the tooth agenesis code (TAC). All patterns were unique and asymmetric,with only one exception, a symmetric pattern of the maxillary and mandibular second premolars. In conclusion, persons with Crouzon syndrome were found to have a high prevalence of dental agenesis and a remarkable variability of dental agenesis patterns. It is important to be aware of this clinical situation, especially when orthodontic treatment planning for these patients is performed as early as in the mixed dentition.

Esthetic views on facial and dental appearance in young adults with treated bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). A comparison between professional and non-professional evaluators.

The aim of the present study was to make a comparison between the professional and non-professional evaluations concerning the esthetic outcome after the completion of patients who have been treated for bilateral cleft lip and palate. A web-based questionnaire, with 12 photo sets, was answered by 25 orthodontists and 20 young adults who had been treated with orthodontic fixed appliances. They ranked the three first features they noticed when looking at each photo set, and then rated specific variables as being bad, fairly good, good, or excellent. At the end of each set, they had an opportunity to add any additional comments. The three features first noticed by the orthodontists were 'the upper lip', 'the nose' and 'the scar'. The young adults reported first 'the teeth', 'the upper lip' and 'occlusion/alignment of the teeth'. The specific variables similarly rated by orthodontists and young adults were 'the profile of the face', 'the form of the upper lip' and 'the entire facial appearance'. The orthodontists were less critical than the young adults concerning 'the upper teeth alignment', 'the lower teeth alignment', 'shape of the upper teeth', and 'color of the upper teeth'. The individual opinion on each separate set of photos was additionally important in explaining the rating, regardless the category of being either orthodontists or young adults.

Cleft extension and risks of other birth defects in children with isolated cleft palate.

OBJECTIVE: To study the risks of having other birth defects in children born with an isolated cleft palate (iCP) when the length of the cleft was taken into account. The hypothesis was that a newborn with an extensive cleft lesion may have an increased risk of other birth defects compared to a child with a less extensive cleft of the palate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All Caucasian children with iCP born between 1975 and 2005 in the southwestern region of Sweden were included. Data were collected from standardized medical records and the length of the cleft was checked on the pre-surgical dental cast for each child. RESULTS: A total of 343 children were born with an iCP. The incidence was 0.64/1000 live births. Thirty-four percent of children with either a total or partial iCP had other birth defects. The risk was 1.7 times higher for a total compared to a partial iCP. The two most common birth defects were congenital heart disease and intellectual disability. Ear problems related to infections were registered in 43% of cases. Fifteen percent of the children had the Pierre Robin sequence, which was analyzed as a separate variable and not included as a birth defect. CONCLUSIONS: The length of the iCP was found to influence the risk of having another birth defect as the total palatal clefts were more often combined with other birth defects compared to partial clefts. Careful medical check-ups are important for newborns with iCP since they have increased risks of other birth defects.

Aesthetic evaluation in subjects treated due to congenitally missing maxillary laterals. A comparison of perception in patients, parents and dentists.

The treatment of the congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisor is a challenge to the dental profession. The demand for optimal orthodontic and prosthetic treatment is high because the condition has an impact on facial aesthetic. The aims of the present study were to determine how different outcome of treatment were perceived by professionals and laypeople and to identify situations that caused dissatisfaction or satisfaction after space closure or tooth replacement. A panel of four groups (patients with missing laterals, parents to these subjects, patients with other malocclusion and general dental practitioners) were included. Sixteen cases with uni- or bilateral missing maxillary lateral incisors, treated with space closure or with prosthetic replacements were presented photographically to the panel. The prosthetic replacements included resin-bonded bridges, porcelain bonded to gold bridges and implants. The panel was asked to rate the overall appearance of the mouth, to rank up to three disturbing features and to rank the most important treatment goals in case of treatment need. An obvious difference between the panel groups was found. The general practitioners were less critical than laypeople in rating the overall appearance. Amongst dentists the tooth colour, the tooth shape and asymmetry were the most disturbing factors whilst laypeople were disturbed by colour, spacing and tooth shape. Half of the dentists did not find any treatment need whilst the corresponding figure amongst laypeople was 19 per cent.When a treatment need was confirmed the most common treatment goals amongst dentists were to change the colour or the shape of the teeth. The laypeople wanted to change the colour, the space condition or the shape of the teeth. The study has shown that professionals and laypeople are of different opinion when rating treatment outcome in cases with missing maxillary laterals. Careful planning to achieve optimal aesthetics should be performed.

Social life aspects of young adults with cleft lip and palate: grounded theory approach.

OBJECTIVES: The findings of many questionnaire and inventory studies suggest that people with cleft lip and/or palate report a decreased quality of life. Common problems include dissatisfaction with the external appearance of the lips and nose, speech problems, depression, and anxiety. This qualitative study aimed to explore the subjective perceptions and values of young adults with clefts, particularly with regard to their social lives. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve persons participated in an in-depth interview. Among those, seven had a repaired isolated cleft palate involving only the hard/soft palate. Five had a repaired bilateral cleft lip and palate that had been a continuous lesion of the lip, the alveolar process, and the palate. A grounded theory approach was used to conduct and analyze the interviews. RESULTS: The study revealed seven important categories--hoping to be like other people, being treated differently from others, experiencing deviation from others, regarding oneself as being different from others, lack of recognition, low self-esteem, and receiving recognition from significant others--with hoping to be like other people as the core category. CONCLUSION: Young adults with either cleft lip and palate or isolated cleft palate who received recognition from significant others reported increased self-esteem and greater ability to cope with their social lives.

Twenty-year cohort study of health gain from orthodontic treatment: temporomandibular disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common condition. Studies of TMD in relation to orthodontic treatment did not show an association, but longitudinal studies from adolescence to adulthood are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between orthodontic treatment and TMD with a longitudinal study design. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted in South Wales, United Kingdom. The baseline investigation was carried out in 1981 and involved children aged 11 to 12 years (n = 1018). Follow-up investigations were done in 1984 (n = 792), 1989 (n = 456), and 2000 (n = 337). RESULTS: Overall TMD prevalence increased from the baseline (3.2%) to age 19 to 20 (17.6%) and decreased by age 30 to 31 (9.9%). TMD prevalence was higher in females at all follow-up points, except the baseline. Overall, incidences of TMD were 11.9%, 11.5%, and 6.0% at the first, second, and last follow-ups, respectively. Females were more likely to develop TMD than males (hazard ratio [HR], 2.1; 95% CI, 1.3 and 3.3), and those with high self-esteem were less likely to develop TMD (HR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4 and 0.8). There was no association between orthodontic treatment and new TMD onset. The incidences of persistent TMD were 20.0%, 34.9%, and 28.0% at the first, second, and last follow-ups, respectively. Females were more likely to have persistent TMD than males (HR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.0 and 6.1). There was no association between orthodontic treatment and persistent TMD. The only significant predictors of TMD in adults aged 30 to 31 were female sex (odd ratio, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.1 and 8.2) and TMD in adolescence (odds ratio, 4.5; 95% CI, 2.0 and 10.0). CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic treatment neither causes nor prevents TMD. Female sex and TMD in adolescence were the only predictors of TMD in young adulthood.

TMD in relation to malocclusion and orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic literature review was to evaluate associations between different malocclusions, orthodontic treatment, and signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review was part of a project at the Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care focusing on malocclusion and orthodontic treatment from a health perspective. As a first step, the literature was searched in the Medline and Cochrane Library databases from 1966 to May 2003. A later update was made in January 2005. Human studies in English or in Scandinavian languages were included. RESULTS: Associations between certain malocclusions and TMD were found in some studies, whereas the majority of the reviewed articles failed to identify significant and clinically important associations. TMD could not be correlated to any specific type of malocclusion, and there was no support for the belief that orthodontic treatment may cause TMD. Obvious individual variations in signs and symptoms of TMD over time according to some longitudinal studies further emphasized the difficulty in establishing malocclusion as a significant risk factor for TMD. A considerable reduction in signs and symptoms of TMD between the teenage period and young adulthood has been shown in some recent longitudinal studies. CONCLUSIONS: Associations between specific types of malocclusions and development of significant signs and symptoms of TMD could not be verified. There is still a need for longitudinal studies.

Long-term stability of orthodontic treatment and patient satisfaction. A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate morphologic stability and patient satisfaction at least 5 years after orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Published literature was searched through the PubMed and Cochrane Library electronic databases from 1966 to January 2005. The search was performed by an information specialist at the Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care. The inclusion criteria consisted of a follow-up period of at least 5 years postretention; randomized clinical trials, prospective or retrospective clinical controlled studies, and cohort studies; and orthodontic treatment including fixed or removable appliances, selective grinding, or extractions. Two reviewers extracted the data independently and also assessed the quality of the studies. RESULTS: The search strategy resulted in 1004 abstracts or full-text articles, of which 38 met the inclusion criteria. Treatment of crowding resulted in successful dental alignment. However, the mandibular arch length and width gradually decreased, and crowding of the lower anterior teeth reoccurred postretention. This condition was unpredictable at the individual level (limited evidence). Treatment of Angle Class II division 1 malocclusion with Herbst appliance normalized the occlusion. Relapse occurred but could not be predicted at the individual level (limited evidence). The scientific evidence was insufficient for conclusions on treatment of cross-bite, Angle Class III, open bite, and various other malocclusions as well as on patient satisfaction in a long-term perspective. CONCLUSIONS: This review has exposed the difficulties in drawing meaningful evidence-based conclusions often because of the inherent problems of retrospective and uncontrolled study design.

Relapse tendency after orthodontic correction of upper front teeth retained with a bonded retainer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the amount and pattern of relapse of maxillary front teeth previously retained with a bonded retainer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 135 study casts from 45 patients. Recordings from study models before treatment (T1), at debonding (T2), and 1 year after removal of the retainer (T3) were present. All patients had been treated with fixed edgewise appliances. The irregularity index (sum of contact point displacement [CPD]) and rotations of front teeth toward the raphe line were calculated at T1, T2, and T3. RESULTS: The mean irregularity index at T1 was 10.1 (range 3.0-29.9, SD 5.4). At T2 it was 0.7 (range 0.0-2.1, SD 0.7), and at T3 it was 1.4 (range 0.0-5.1, SD 1.2). Fifty-five teeth in 42 patients were corrected more than 20 degrees between T1 and T2 (mean correction 31.4 degrees range 20.0-61.7), and mean relapse in this group was 7.3 degrees (range 0.0-20.5). Regarding alignment of the maxillary front teeth, the contact relationship between the laterals and centrals seems to be the most critical. A significant positive correlation was found between the amount of correction of incisor rotation and the magnitude of relapse but not between the amount of correction of CPD and the magnitude of relapse. Eighty-four percent of the overcorrected CPDs returned to a desired position. CONCLUSIONS: Minor or no relapse was noted at the 1-year follow-up.

Malocclusion and temporomandibular disorder: a comparison of adolescents with moderate to severe dysfunction with those without signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder and their further development to 30 years of age.

A total of 1018 subjects were examined at the age of 11 years, 791 were reexamined at 15 years, 456 at 19 years, and 337 at 30 years. Anamnestic and clinical recordings of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) were made. Morphology, including calculation of peer assessment rating (PAR) scores, was recorded. Previous history of orthodontic treatment was assessed. Muscular endurance was recorded. The subjects completed four psychological measures. The malocclusion prevalence, occlusal contacts, psychological factors, and muscular endurance in subjects with no recorded signs and symptoms of TMD were compared with those with the most severe dysfunction at 19 years of age. The further development of TMD to 30 years of age was followed. PAR scores were significantly higher in the subjects with the most severe dysfunction. Apart from crowding of teeth, no other significant differences were found between the groups with regard to separate malocclusions, tooth contact pattern, orthodontic treatment, or extractions. A greater proportion of subjects with low endurance were found in those with TMD. Significant associations between TMD and general health and psychological well-being as well as the personality dimension of neuroticism and self-esteem were found. During the period from 19 to 30 years, the prevalence of muscular signs and symptoms showed considerable reduction, whereas clicking showed a slight increase. Locking of the joint showed a decrease from 19 to 30 years. One-quarter of the TMD subjects showed complete recovery. Thus, orthodontic treatment seems to be neither a major preventive nor a significant cause of TMD.

A critical view of treatment priority indices in orthodontics.

Indices for orthodontic treatment prioritization are usually based on morphological and sometimes functional deviations from a concept of an ideal occlusion. However, such morphological variation from a constructed norm only reflects normal biological variation and should never serve as a basis for treatment decisions. Evaluation of treatment need must instead be based on consequences of malocclusion for the subject. Existing indices for orthodontic treatment need focus either more generally on malocclusion or specifically on aesthetics. Aesthetic indices are usually based on some kind of public concensus. In this study, two groups of patients each containing four subjects were selected. Four represented subjects estimated to have malocclusions of average severity (level A), close to a level where selections are usually made. The other four subjects (level B) represented more severe malocclusions reflecting cut-off levels in a system with a more limited budget. The different indices used turned out to offer very little help in the selection of patients and did not reflect the stated ranking of treatment need by seven groups of orthodontists and postgraduate students, all in all 40 persons. Apart from being based on very questionable treatment--motivating factors, these indices cannot serve the basic purpose of creating relevant cut-off points for treatment need.

To what extent do deviations from an ideal occlusion constitute a health risk?

Selection of patients for orthodontic treatment should be based on a thorough analysis of the consequences of malocclusions for the individual. The mere presence of deviations from the concept of the ideal occlusion should have no influence on orthodontic treatment decisions. According to available studies, the influence of malocclusion on periodontal health, speech and chewing is fairly minor. Neither can orthodontic treatment be justified as an effective means of preventing TMD but it may be indicated to reduce existing signs and symptoms of TMD in certain carefully selected cases. Interceptive or preventive orthodontic treatment may be indicated to reduce the negative influence on growth and occlusal development of functional malocclusions (anterior or lateral forced bite) or ectopic tooth eruption. Similarly, early correction of large overjet may be valuable in order to reduce the risk of traumatic injuries. Such treatment is usually motivated during the primary or mixed dentition periods. From the teenage period and onwards, psychosocial or aesthetic reasons for orthodontic treatment are dominating. Decisions to start orthodontic treatment in order to improve aesthetics should usually not be taken before the child has reached sufficient maturity for these decisions, normally after the age of 12 years. Special consideration needs to be given to subjects with craniofacial syndromes or handicap in order to develop effective treatment methods to promote as normal growth and occlusal development as possible.