[The abandonment of treatment in orthodontics]

Orthodontic treatments are frequently given up: a recent study of the C.N.A.M.* has shown a rate of 51%. In spite of lightest and least constraining therapeutic methods, the authors estimate that 27% of the patients stop their treatment before the end. --Looking for the reasons why, they have found a "central nucleus" of about 27% which builds up a constancy of abandoned treatment undeniably in relation with an ethical phenomenon, plainly concerning the individual or the family. --That is to show the advantage of our adapted therapeutic possibilities to answer the patients' requests, and to clearly explain their benefits and their possible difficulties. In other words we have to admit the necessity of a more medical than mechanical approach in orthodontics.