DTUK1510

I f a picture paints a thousand words, a radiograph would give you the whole library. Thanks to the imaging solutions available to today’s dentists, it is possible for effective treatment planning that will give dentists, and patients, a range of options when it comes to cutting edge or- thodontic treatment. Orthopantomograms (OPT) are treasure troves of vital data. Covering the upper and lower jaw, they provide the diagnos- tician with an overview of the patient’s dentition, including: root length, impaction, super- numerary teeth, positioning of teeth, root resorption, root frac- ture, unerupted and missing teeth. Other information pro- vided by an OPT includes any previous orthodontic or restora- tive treatment, which can im- pact on planning. In order to identify skeletal discrepancies and abnormali- ties, or note whether anteropos- terior movement of the incisors is necessary, the diagnostic team will request a lateral skull radio- graph of the patient in the stand- ard intercuspal position. Image appraisal Since orthodontic treatment takes into account more than just the aesthetics of the teeth, it is important that treatment planning includes an appraisal of extra-oral patient images. For instance, an image of the patient face-on, smiling with teeth in maximum interdigitation, gives a good idea of how the smile can be improved in relation to the patient’s face. Essentially, the di- agnostic team has to know what influence the soft tissue has on the case. Profile pictures are very use- ful, because they enable an easy appraisal of the maxilla’s posi- tion relative to the mandible. The leading system’s diagnostic team will also want to see a full face photograph, and a three quarter profile, as this is the most com- mon way that the patient would be seen in public. Assessing malocclusions With the skilful use of cheek re- tractors and mirrors (warmed in hot water first to reduce conden- sation), you can capture excel- lent intra-oral images. These are vital to accurately assess the se- verity of malocclusions. In order to achieve the right lighting of the area, the diagnostic team recom- mends the use of a ring-flash. The mirror is used to achieve high- quality diagnostic images of the lower occlusal and upper arch regions, while the cheek retrac- tors are ideal to enable great im- ages of the anterior, left and right buccal regions. Armed with these images, di- agnosticians are able to draw up treatment plans. The dentist and patient can then decide which planisthemostsuitable,andmove forward to create a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile. DT Image is everything Armed with intra-oral pictures, diagnosticians are able to draw up treatment plans. The dentist can then decide with the patient, which plan is the most suitable. Andrew McCance explains About the author In the mid 1990s, Dr McCance began to de- velop the Clearstep brace, based on the de- mands of the 4,000 pa- tients treated annually in his specialist practic- es. He is currently taking his Clearstep vision to a worldwide audience. For more information, call the OPT Labo- ratory & Diagnostic Facility on 01342 337910, email info@clearstep.co.uk or visit www.clearstep.co.uk. 23EducationJune 7-13, 2010United Kingdom Edition FGDP(UK) guidance books – the gold standard Standards in Dentistry The bestselling Standards in Dentistry is an ambitious package, bringing together all previous guidelines in oral healthcare, including guidance from the FGDP(UK), BDA, GDC, ISO, and the Department of Health, among others. The innovative format combines a printed manual with an online publication, allowing for frequent updates. Clinical Examination and Record-Keeping Now in its second edition, Clinical Examination and Record-Keeping has been updated in line with the latest guidance, and now covers electronic records and data protection, with updated guidance on patient consent and mental health. The book also includes example scenarios, and template forms for use in practice. Selection Criteria for Dental Radiography Selection Criteria for Dental Radiography continues to be one of the leading texts on radiographic investigation, including clinical indications for a range of patients, along with advice on IR(ME)R2000 and good practice dos and don’ts, to help practitioners to form a sound basis for clinical decisions. Also available from the FGDP(UK): • Adult Antimicrobial Prescribing in Primary Dental Care for General Dental Practitioners • Guidance for the Management of Natural Rubber Latex Allergy in Dental Patients and Dental Healthcare Workers Purchase all five FGDP(UK) standards documents together for only £125 (over 10% off) Join the FGDP(UK) now and recieve a further 20% discount! The bestselling Standards in Dentistry is an ambitious package, bringing together all previous guidelines in oral healthcare, including guidance from the FGDP(UK), BDA, GDC, ISO, and the Department of Health, among others. The innovative format combines a printed manual with an online Now in its second edition, Clinical Examination and Record-Keeping has been updated in line with the latest guidance, and now covers electronic records and data protection, with updated guidance on patient consent and mental health. The book also includes example scenarios, and Selection Criteria for Dental Radiography continues to be one of the leading texts on radiographic investigation, including clinical indications for a range of patients, along with advice on IR(ME)R2000 and good practice dos and don’ts, to help practitioners to form a sound basis for • Adult Antimicrobial Prescribing in Primary Dental Care for General Dental Practitioners • Guidance for the Management of Natural Rubber Latex Allergy in Dental Patients Email fgdp-comms@rcseng.ac.uk or call 020 7869 6776 to find out more, quoting reference SID10DT1. www.fgdp.org.uk Registered charity no. 212808Promoting excellence in dentistry