[Change and innovation in orthodontics]

Long-term prophylaxis achievements, demographic changes, scientific progress, patient requirements, and political regulations through social legislation will fundamentally change the future of orthodontics, i.e., a reduction in children and adolescent therapy as well as an increase in interdisciplinary complex treatments for adult patients mostly outside the social security system. Health care research at a high evidence level needs to be intensified due to social-political reasons. In addition to well-proven appliances, modern sometimes even invisible appliances (CAD-CAM) will be used in future orthodontic therapy. Three-dimensional diagnostics could improve treatment planning. Whether improved prenatal diagnosis will alter the number of newborns with dentofacial malformations (cleft lip and palate) or syndromes (e.g., Down syndrome), thus, changing treatment needs in the future, cannot be predicted today, due to the multiple influencing factors. A well-structured 4-year specialist training according to European guidelines will also be necessary in the future to comply with complex treatment needs be it within or outside the social security system (quality assurance).