Primary Care Orthodontic Services

Key Details

Description

Orthodontics is the dental specialty concerned with facial growth, development of the dentition and occlusion, and the assessment, diagnosis, interception and treatment of malocclusions and facial deformity. Orthodontic treatment should only be undertaken where it is believed to be in the patient's best interests in terms of their oral health and/ or psychosocial wellbeing. The clinical advantages and long-term benefits of Orthodontic treatment should justify and outweigh any detrimental effects. Patient factors to consider include co-operation, motivation and their ability to maintain good oral hygiene. It is not generally in the patient's best interest to deliver orthodontic treatment in the absence of a stable oral environment or where there is evidence of active dental disease. There are several factors used to define orthodontic treatment complexity which can be classified as level 1, 2, 3a or 3b. Factors include the type of malocclusion, technical difficulty in improving function and aesthetics, together with any patient modifying factors.