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ePaper created 2015-06-15, 16:06:00 | version 1.38.0
science & practice06 EOS Venice 2015 As a matter of routine, when ac- cepting an orthodontic treatment plan, parents are required to ac- knowledge the risk that their children’s teeth could be damaged during treatment. At best, unless they commit to permanent use of a retainer, patients can expect almost definite relapse and worst-case sce- narios may include enamel damage, root resorption or in the case of cor- rective jaw surgery, painful lifelong complications. Unfortunately,though,whilepar- entsarebecomingmoreawareofthe risks and limitations of traditional orthodontics and the generating im- petus toward more stable, less inva- sive treatments, they are often not being informed of all the alternative options that are available. Despite this increased recogni- tion of the shortcomings of tradi- tional orthodontic treatments and the escalating demand for contem- porary options, the causes of mal- occlusion remain somewhat hidden from parents. In order to make an informed decision regarding their children’s oral health and to decide which treatment is the most suit- able, these causes of malocclusion must be highlighted. Three in four 21st -century chil- dren will experience malocclusion and parents, as well as the dental professionals advising them, have traditionally attributed this to hereditary factors. However, re- searchshowsthatratherthangenet- ics, the aetiology of malocclusion is predominately environmental. Themostrecentevidence,which is often not presented to parents during orthodontic consultations, reveals that the majority of mal- occlusions are caused by incorrect jaw development. This incorrect development re- strictsthespacethatisavailablefor erupting teeth and prevents them from growing into their ideal nat- ural position. For the best part of the last century, the easiest fix for this problem has been to extract healthy permanent teeth, then to use braces to align the remaining teeth into underdeveloped jaws. Unfortunately, for countless or- thodontic patients, these mechani- cal treatments are focused on the symptoms of malocclusion, but fail to address the underlying causes of the condition, which is why relapse is the most predictable outcome. An increasing number of dental professionals have accepted the ne- cessity for new treatment methods that would address the causes, rather than just correcting the symptoms, of malocclusion. These practitioners recognise that in addition to environmental factors (such as the modern diet) inhibited jaw development is being caused by poor myofunctional habits, including thumb sucking, reverse swallowing and mouth breathing. Oncethesemyofunctionalcauses of malocclusion have been iden- tified, the potential for natural growth is unlocked and myofunc- tional treatment methods, which can produce more stable results without relying on heavy me- chanical forces, become possible. Additionally, these preventive, pre-orthodontic treatments can be undertaken and completed much sooner than, or even in conjunction with, braces if necessary. In fact, combining pre-orthodon- tic preventive treatment with less invasive orthodontic techniques can produce outcomes far superior to those achieved using a single treatment philosophy. As a result of improved aware- ness regarding their children’s oral health care, 21st -century parents have become increasingly enthusi- astic about less invasive, more pre- ventivetreatmentmethods.Legally these parents should be presented with all the treatment options that are available. Although patient compliance with functional appliances and myofunctional therapy techniques has historically restricted the wide- spread acceptance of these treat- ments, modern techniques have addressed these concerns. There are now treatment systems that package myofunctional habit cor- rection, arch expansion and den- tal alignment into one integrated system that satisfies the parents’ demand for modern, early pre- orthodontic techniques. Editorial Note: This text was first pub- lished in the 03/2014 issue of the Ortho Tribune US Edition. “Three in four 21st -century children will experience malocclusion...” Pre-orthodontic options for 21st -century parents By Daniel Elliott,Myofunctional Reasearch 1 Year Clinical MastersTM Program in Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry Three sessions with live patient treatment, hands-on practice, plus online training under the Masters’ supervision. Learn from the Masters of Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry: Tribune Group GmbH is the ADA CERP provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Tribune Group GmbH i is designated as an Approved PACE Program Provider by the Academy of General Dentistry. The formal continuing dental education programs of this program provider are accepted by AGD for Fellowship, Mastership, and membership maintenance credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial board of dentistry or AGD endorsement. 12 days of intensive live training with the Masters in Athens (GR) and Geneva (CH) 12 days of live training with the Masters in Athens (GR), Geneva (CH) + self study Curriculum fee: €9,900 (Based on your schedule, you can register for this program one session at a time.) Registration information: contact us at tel.: +49-341-484-74134 email: request@tribunecme.com Details on www.TribuneCME.com C.E. CREDITS100 Collaborate on your cases and access hours of premium video training and live webinars University of the Pacific you will receive a certificate from the University of the Pacific AD Fig.1: Preventive, pre-orthodontic treatments can be undertaken and completed much sooner than or, if necessary, even in conjunction with, braces and can produce outcomes superior to those achieved using a single treatment method.—Fig.2: 21st -century parents are increasingly enthusiastic about treatment systems which package myofunctional habit correction,arch expansion and dental alignment into one integrated system. 20th June 2011 1st August 2013 20th June 2011 1st August 2013