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ORTHODONTIC REPORT 1946 (JUNE—DEC.).
The Orthodontic Scheme for the children of Brentford and
Chiswick commenced in June, 1946. Orthodontics is that branch
of Dental Surgery which treats irregularities of the teeth and
the underlying causes of such irregularities. There are many
reasons for the correction of dental abnormalities but three are of
major importance. First, with the teeth set in regular arches
and the jaws rrteeting one another in the correct anatomical
manner, the entire dentition is in the best possible position to
withstand disease. The treatment of decay or' pyorrhoea in a
mouth with irregular teeth may be a waste of time. Second,
many irregularities are such that the child, even at a comparatively
early age, begins to worry about his or her appearance and this
reacts unfavourably on the mental outlook. Third, the muscles
of the face and throat must function correctly for breathing, voice
production and mastication. Irregularities of the teeth may
prevent the proper action of these muscles. Frequently, however,
the position is reversed, that is, abnormal action of muscles
is the cause of irregularities of the teeth. In such cases, reeducation
of muscle function must run concurrently with orthodontic
treatment. In many such cases, the work is done in close
co-operation with the E.N.T. specialist and speech therapist.
The Orthodontic Surgeon attends on two sessions each week,
when cases referred by the other Dental Officers are seen. A
child may be referred at any age but frequently a case under twelve
years old will not have treatment commenced immediately. Such
eases are kept under frequent observation so that treatment may
be commenced at the appropriate time. This is usually between
12 and 13 years of age, and partly explains the figures of 107
cases seen and only 39 cases treated by December, 1946.
Much of the treatment is carried out by fixed appliances.
These are of such a specialised nature that much valuable surgery
time has to be spent doing work that should be done by a dental
mechanic. Few mechanics, however, are capable of doing this
work and these are generally attached to hospitals.
It is to be hoped that in the near future the Middlesex School
Dental Service will start its own dental laboratory when a good
deal of this work can be passed on and so more time can be
devoted to the patients.
As to the reaction of parents to this new service, our experience
during the last few years has been that many parents
have been seeking treatment without being able to obtain it. Now
that it is available they are very pleased and co-operate wholeheartedly.
This is very important because the co-operation of
both parents and children is essential to success. In the few
cases where there has been lack of co-operation, treatment has
either been simplified or as in one case, discontinued altogether.
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