Orthodontic diagnosis in young children: beyond dental malocclusions.
Orthodontics is more than merely diagnosing and treating dental malocclusion. It also includes diagnosis and treatment of facial/skeletal problems, upper airway obstruction (mouth breathing), temporomandibular dysfunction, and abnormal myofunctional habits. These assessments should be made in all patients but especially in children as young as age 5 to take advantage of facial growth. If problems are diagnosed early and preventive measures are instituted, many facial and dental problems may be minimized or averted.
Jefferson
Yosh
Y
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis; D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000175:diagnosis*; D020247:Myofunctional Therapy; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis