RECENT ADVANCES IN DIAGNOSTIC AIDS IN ORTHODONTICS

The development of integrated 3D tools for diagnosis and treatment planning in one of the most exciting developments in orthodontics as the specialty moves into the 21st century. The process of treating the orthodontic patient with appliances fabricated by computer generated images is a significant step. It represents the beginning of the closing of the cycle. But as valuable as these new advances are a strong cautionary note is in order. No one of these methods and indeed no combination of them will treat malocclusion by itself. The key element in orthodontic treatment remains a skilled orthodontic specialist with an understanding of the biological and biomechanical knowledge base that our specialty has pain stakingly acquired in more than 100 years of collective experience in treatment and research.