Orthodontic implications of physical constitution in the child

Abstract

Physical constitution in the child bears upon the work of the orthodontist in three very definite particulars.

• 1.

  It modifies the structure of his field of operation, namely the facial skeleton.

• 2.

  It influences the activity of growth upon which he counts for rearrangement of the teeth.

• 3.

  It determines the mineralization of the jaws, the bony texture of which is essential for a proper response of the alveolar process to orthodontic procedure.

The jaws of the growing child have suffered developmental defects as the result of health misadventures in infancy long before the orthodontist is called in to treat a condition already established in the growth pattern.

Before attempting correction of malocclusion it is essential to know the precise level in physical maturity attained by the child so that appropriate orthodontic measures may be applied.

A knowledge of skeletal mineralization is likewise significant for determination of the probability of adequate response of the alveolar process to orthodontic procedure.