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Selection of Orthodontic Cases.
These are selected during the school inspection. After obtaining
the parents' consent for treatment the case is called up as a
routine appointment. Diagnosis of the condition is made, and the
form of treatment decided. Two sets of impressions of the mouth
are taken. One set is filed for reference, and the other is sent
to the dental mechanic with instructions as to the type of
apparatus required.
Conditions associated with gross deformity, as in cases of
deficient growth of the mandible and extreme cases of inferior
retrusion, with secondary proclination of the upper incisors, are
not within the scope of Public Health Orthodontics, and are better
left alone or referred to a hospital. It is only possible in Clinic
work to concentrate on cases where the prognosis is good.
Classification of Orthodontic Cases.
Treatment is based on the classification of Angle, which,
although not adopted by all Orthodontists, is the generallyaccepted
form of diagnosis.
This classification is based on the position of the six-yearold
molars, because these teeth can be regarded as the pillars of
the mouth. The position of the permanent teeth is fairly constant,
but, of course, when the neighbouring temporary teeth are
extracted too early the position of Angle's "key teeth" may move
in a forward direction, although a thorough examination of the
mouth will enable the operator to observe the classification.