[Periodontal diagnosis in orthodontics]

Before any orthodontic treatment can begin, it is essential that the patient's periodontium be in sound condition, capable of responding to the movement of teeth in a healthy fashion. Inspection of the dentition, palpation of tissues, and careful study of adequate X-Rays are all necessary for establishing a diagnosis, but review of the depth of gingival pockets with periodontal probes is the key procedure for avoiding blunders in treatment. After periodontal health has been validated, it is vital that orthodontists determine the patient's periodontal biotype by clinical observation and periodontal probing and assess the quality of the gingival attachments of the teeth that will be affected by the expansion forces of treatment. The ensemble of these criteria will dictate what treatment paths and forces the orthodontist will employ.