WHEN ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT IS REALLY NECESSARY?

Key words: Malocclusion, Interceptive orthodontics, Index for Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN)

he knowledge of few and simple key concepts that outline the development of normal occlusion in children allow the physician to: 1) recognize malocclusion; 2) suspect over-treatment; 3) seek further advice in selected cases. The developmental nature of orthodontic pathology and its natural evolution must be taken into account when considering its long term prognosis: progression with growth or improvement and/or spontaneous resolution. The Index for Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) is a simple and useful tool that proves to be of help in everyday practice, guiding the clinician through the many disfunctional situations that prevent correct development of the stomatognatic apparatus.