title: Shape changes due to functional appliances.
abstract: Functional appliances are now routinely used in orthodontic treatment to correct anteroposterior skeletal discrepancies, based on the assumption that existing functional patterns can be modified to yield a new morphological pattern. However, the mechanisms by which this correction occurs remain in dispute as current measurement procedures, primarily mathematical, do not adequately describe shape changes. This paper introduces a new measurement method, Fourier descriptors, to clinical dentistry.
authors.affiliation: Section of Orthodontics, UCLA School of Dentistry 90024.
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Lestrel
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kerr
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005583:Fourier Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000628:therapy; D008334:Mandible / Q000254:growth & development*; D008437:Maxilla / Q000254:growth & development*; D017289:Orthodontic Appliances, Functional; D009972:Orthodontics, Interceptive