Diagnostic Aids In Orthodontics

Diagnostic Aids In Orthodontics

Write short note on diagnostic aids.
Answer. Comprehensive orthodontic diagnosis is established by use of certain clinical implements called diagnostic aids.

“Understanding the role of diagnostic aids in orthodontic treatment”

Essential Diagnostic Aids

• Case history: This involves eliciting all relevant information by direct questioning to patient or parent. It consists of major complaints, medical history, dental history, prenatal history, postnatal history, family history.
• Clinical examination: This is the prerequisite for correct assessment and interpretation of quantitative analysis which is obtained via various investigations. Goals of clinical examination are to evaluate and document facial, occlusal and functional problems.

“Importance of studying diagnostic aids for better orthodontic outcomes”

Diagnostic aids in orthodontics

• Study models: Orthodontic study models are accurate plaster reproduction of the teeth and their surrounding soft tissues. Study models are three-dimensional view of the maxillary and mandibular dental arches.
• Certain radiographs: It consist of Periapical radiograph, Bitewing and Panoramic radiographs. They provide vital information about the teeth and their supporting structures.
• Facial photographs: Facial photographs are a good diagnostic tool because both the frontal and profie facial analysis is carried out.

Supplemental Diagnostic Aids

• Specialized radiographs: It consists of Cephalometric radiographs, Occlusal radiography, Selected lateral jaw view, Cone shif technique.
• Electromyographic examination of muscle activity: It is the procedure that is used to record the action potentials formed in voluntary muscles when they are excited. It is used to study the role of musculature in craniofacial growth. It also shows activity of mandibular elevators and depressors.

“Common challenges in using diagnostic aids effectively”

• Hand and wrist radiographs to assess bone age: They assess skeletal maturity status of an individual.
• Diagnostic set-up: Diagnostic set up is made from an extra set of trimmed and polished study models. Individual teeth and their associated alveolar processes are sectioned of and replaced on the model base in desired positions. Diagnostic set up thus helps in simulating various tooth movements which are planned for patients.

“Role of radiographic imaging in orthodontic diagnostics”

• Occlusograms: An occlusogram is a 1:1 reproduction of the occlusal surfaces of plaster models on an acetate tracing paper. Upper tracing should be oriented to lower tracing with the help of grooves cut in the back side of plaster models. Occlusograms develop ideal natural individualized arch form. They also predict the occlusal relationship.