Orthodontic disorders and diagnosis

Abstract

Orthodontic diagnosis is based on thorough evaluation of the patient's chief complaint, dental history, physical growth evaluation, clinical examination, and a detailed review of the patient's orthodontic records. This includes cephalometric radiographs, dental casts or dental scanning, and a series of intra-oral and extra-oral photographs. The orthodontic diagnosis relies heavily on the Edward Angle classification in which Class I indicates normal occlusion, Class II division 1 malocclusion in which the mandibular teeth are posterior to the maxillary teeth, and there is an overjet between the anterior teeth, Class II division 2 malocclusion in which the mandibular teeth are distal to the maxillary teeth, but the maxillary central incisors are tipped backward with no increase in overjet, and Class III malocclusion when the mandibular teeth are in a mesial occlusion or more anterior relative to the maxillary dentition. Once the diagnosis is made and the problem list is completed, the management strategy is established by both the physician and the patient. This chapter reviews the different types of malocclusions and their potential association with voice production, speech, and wind instrument performance.