title: Psychosomatic norm in orthodontics: problems and approach.
abstract: The term "psychosomatic norm" is not commonly used directly or indirectly in orthodontic discussions. However, at times, this may be the most important factor affecting patient satisfaction with treatment outcome. Psychosomatic norm is a norm based on a subjective psychosocial assessment of what is the patient's norm. A norm that significantly differs from the clinician's somatic norm, which is based on objective anatomic assessment, may end in a dilemma of unexplainable and unpredictable dissatisfaction with the orthodontic treatment outcome if not properly handled by the orthodontist. This review article attempts to approach and solve this clinically problematic situation.
authors.affiliation: Orthodontic Department, Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Cairo, Egypt. hmkader@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Hussam M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Abdel-Kader
mesh_terms: D001504:Beauty; D003469:Culture; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D004522:Educational Status; D006801:Humans; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000523:psychology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept