Craniofacial growth and the timing of treatment

The timing of orthodontic treatment to achieve an optimal outcome is an issue of paramount importance to the clinical orthodontist. In this article I highlight those facts we know, list some we do not know for certain, and discuss aspects of the decision-making process in orthodontics. With increased insight into proven data and decisionmaking processes, the clinical orthodontist should be better able to appropriately time orthodontic treatment.