Higher levels of orthodontic and dental excellence

In the past, providers of orthodontic services were solely concerned with esthetic/cosmetic considerations of the teeth. In more recent years emphasis has been placed on the interdigitation of the teeth in centric occlusion combined with the absence of occlusal interferences in sliding/gliding jaw movements with the teeth in partial contact with each other (protrusive, cuspid disclusion, etc.). Still more recently true jaw function, or, function of the entire stomatognathic system, as opposed to the more limited functional movement of the teeth as influenced by their inclined planes when in partial occlusion, has come to the fore. And rightly so. This necessarily required consideration of the health or pathology of the temporomandibular joint/s because some patients could open their mouths more than others. Some opened straight up and down, while others deflected to the left or right and some made various noises and jerky movements. Others opened noiselessly and smoothly and were in moderate to severe pain and pointing their finger at the orthodontic provider.