Ortodoncia diagnóstica

In this book, the reader will find guide to understanding diagnosis in the field of orthodontics, which constitutes the first step for subsequently executing therapy. It is explained in six chapters. The first chapter corresponds to craniofacial growth and development to understand the mechanisms and differentiation of craniofacial growth in the individual, starting with the knowledge of the embryonic structures that are precursors to future soft and hard tissues of the head, face, and neck.

In the second chapter, the development of occlusion will be studied through an understanding of the different dentitions, with an emphasis on the primary dentition, which is responsible for maintaining the appropriate dimensions and characteristics in the dental arch for the eruption of permanent teeth until physiological permanent occlusion.

In chapter three, the etiopathogenesis of skeletal and dental malocclusion will be analyzed, as well as the etiology, prevalence, classification, and clinical characteristics of malocclusions in the three planes of space: sagittal, transverse, and vertical.

In the fourth chapter, functional diagnosis will be emphasized, which is essential for determining dysfunctions that influence dental and skeletal anomalies and for establishing an appropriate orthodontic treatment plan.

In the fifth chapter, macro-aesthetics will be analyzed from the frontal perspective, as well as micro-aesthetics. Additionally, model analysis will be presented as an aid for determining the diagnosis of malocclusions in the dental arches both individually and in occlusion across the three planes of space.

In the final chapter, the execution of cephalometric tracings such as Steiner, McNamara, the determination of the Vert coefficient, as well as the WITS measurement and Baccetti analysis, which addresses the maturation of cervical vertebrae, will be described. The interpretation of these allows for determining the position and relationship of cranio-maxillary structures in the sagittal and vertical planes. It concludes with a guide for preparing the clinical record in orthodontics.

The relevance of the information provided is based on the importance of establishing a diagnosis while understanding all the foundations of the alteration. In this way, the pathology is understood, and the correct diagnosis can be established.