The orthodontic-restorative interface: 1. Patient assessment

The first article in this series of two aims to outline the assessment of patients for whom a combined orthodontic-restorative approach would be beneficial. In particular, it will concentrate on the assessment of patients who have hypodontia and tooth size discrepancies. The importance of the aesthetic assessment for these cases will be highlighted. Variations in tooth number and tooth size discrepancy often require a combined treatment planning approach from the orthodontist and restorative dentist. The referring general dental practitioner has a key role in recognizing that this approach may be required and highlighting this in the initial patient referral. It is likely in the more straightforward cases that the GDP will be providing the restorative treatment and so an increased understanding of these cases would be beneficial. In the second paper, treatment options will be presented.

For patients who require a combined orthodontic/restorative approach, it is important that orthodontic and restorative disciplines liaise closely in the assessment and treatment planning process so that optimal care may be planned.