Recent Advances in Orthodontic Diagnosis & Treatment Planning

The process of orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning lends itself well to a problem oriented approach. Diagnosis now places a great emphasis on functional and psychosocial ramifications of dentofacial deformity. As we progress, the myths of today become the truth of tomorrow. A paradigm shift has occurred in embracing emerging techniques and integrating them into orthodontics, new information has been revealed. This has led to rapid advances in the field. Computer technology is expanding to include more areas in various scientific fields. Orthodontics is no exception. Orthodontists use computers for diagnosis, record keeping, practice management, patient evaluation, communication with colleagues and many other tasks. In view of ever-increasing emphasis on having a pleasing personality, attractive smile and a pleasant face, orthodontics has shifted priorities from being a science offering perfection of prevailing esthetics to being almost an essential care to enhance the self-image on an individual. Thus, Orthodontics is now about moving the individual parts to perfect a collective whole.