Documentation for Diagnosis, Treatment Planning and Follow-up

Abstract

Case documentation serves three purposes: for diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up. Evidently, these purposes require comparable and standardized documentation. These data are: standardized photographs and radiographs and models of the teeth. In cases of growth anomalies, an additional scintigraphic investigation of the condyles is necessary. This is of special importance in almost all cases of abnormal mandibular growth to ascertain if the abnormal growth has to be arrested by a high condylectomy or whether growth will continue during and after orthodontic or surgical treatment. My experience tells me: “Too early corrective surgery on the maxilla will result in reduction of its growth capacity and too early osteotomies of the mandible will end up with relapse” (Principle No.28) and“Growth can destroy your early good result” (Principle No. 27).