[Growth and choices in orthopedic or orthodontic therapy]

Although the clinical aspects of the skeletal Class II can be numerous, in most cases an insufficient sagittal development of the mandible can be identified. Besides the functional disorder caused by the sagittal skeletal problem, the aesthetic appearance is damaged. To provide an efficient orthodontic or orthopedic treatment, the practitioner must consider this aesthetic prejudice, while correcting the functional disorder. One of the main goal when correcting skeletal Class II relationships is to improve the sagittal development of the mandibular growth. The sagittal impact is greater for the horizontal growth and will improve the aesthetic appearance. In addition, the treatment will be easier, shorter and therefore less traumatic because of the spontaneously natural self correction. Finally, the correction will be more stable because the functions such as breathing and swallowing will be easily rehabilitated. To obtain convenient aesthetic and functional corrections of skeletal Class II relationships, four essential rules must be taken care of: finding the best therapeutic choice, choosing the best moment to start treatment, initiating an efficient unlocking, providing an overall treatment.