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122
Orthodontic Treatment.
Though in the past there has been a tendency to rate this
branch of treatment at a purely æsthetic level, there is now much
evidence to show that, far from being of a luxury character, this
work has become an inseparable part of Children's Dentistry.
In practice it is found that there are many mouths in which
restoration of function cannot be achieved without adequate
measures being taken to ensure a reasonable balance of
articulation.
As previously stated the need for such measures has unfortunately
become increasingly apparent at a time when owing
to staff restrictions less time is available for treatment. Cases
causing particular anxiety are those in which diagnosis is complicated
by early loss of certain temporary and permanent teeth,
and where urgent steps are necessary to correct jaw relationship
before the discrepancies become too marked. Whilst every effort
is made to deal with the simpler of these defects, many of a more
complicated nature have to be left untreated, or if considered
practical are referred to one or other of the Teaching Hospitals
in the hope that help will be forthcoming.
Unfortunately at the present time most of these Institutions
have already closed their waiting lists or cannot guarantee treatment
for years to come.
Because of the lack of outside facilities a considerable
extension in the "scope" of this treatment is called for, together
with the introduction of a "Special Unit" staffed by a visiting
Consultant to undertake certain of the more "advanced" work
and generally advise on procedure. Such an arrangement would
considerably increase the output of completed cases whilst at the
same time conserving the energies of existing staff.
The number of sessions devoted to this work was 180 compared
with 172 last year.