Visual Treatment Objectives In Orthodontics: A Diagnostic Guide

Write short note on visual treatment objectives.

Answer. This is an important diagnostic test undertaken before making a decision to use a functional appliance.

This test enables us to visualize how the patients profile would be after functional appliance therapy.
An improvement in profile means positive visualized treatment objective and functional appliances are indicated.

Class 2 visualized Treatment Objective

It is performed by asking the patient to bring the mandible forward.
Change of appearance of patient is marked from two levels, i.e. first from edge-to-edge position and another from midway between the present occlusion and edge to edge position.
An improvement in profile is present from edge-to-edge position it means problem is in mandible. It is a subject mandibular retrognathism. Functional appliances which stimulates mandibular growth should be given.
If profie improves in midway, the subject is of maxillary prognathism and mandibular retrognathism. Appliances such as twinblock with headgear is advised.
In case the profile worsens at edge-to-edge it means problem is in maxilla. It is a subject of maxillary prognathism. Appliances such as headgears should be advised.

Class 3 visualized Treatment Objective

In patients with Class 3 malocclusion, cotton rolls are kept in upper labial vestibule.
If patient has retrognathic maxilla proflie improves with cotton roll.
If patient has mandibular prognathism his profile worsens with cotton roll.

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