Managing the developing occlusion: a guide for dental practitioners (revised)

  • A. McNair &
  • D. Morris
(eds) UK: British Orthodontic Society free at http://www.bos.org.uk; hard copies£5; pp 15 ISBN 1899297081 | ISBN: 1-899-29708-1

This 2010 publication aims to help general dental practitioners examine children from an orthodontic viewpoint, highlight the assessment of patients at different stages of development and to outline the interceptive procedures and treatments available to deal with the conditions most commonly encountered.

The information is succinct, relevant and well organised. It is categorised into three broad chapters: introduction, managing the developing occlusion and treatment planning. The layout is attractive and easy to read. It includes numerous clinical photographs and radiographs to explain the advice given, referral timings, things to watch out for and treatment complications. The authors also include information regarding associated reference material related to the subject for further reading.

The introduction provides information regarding referral criteria, suggests how to write a referral letter and also where to refer patients for further orthodontic advice and treatment. The 'Managing the developing occlusion' chapter separates recommendations into subheadings for the deciduous, the mixed, the late mixed and the early permanent dentition. Each subheading includes details on the normal development of the occlusion and suggests signs to look out for with respect to any possible orthodontic needs of the child patient. Warning signs are also highlighted to help minimise any future problems to ensure children are referred for further advice and investigation where and when necessary. Possible interceptive and treatment measures are described and treatment which can be provided by the general practitioner and those which require referral for specialist management are differentiated. Other subheadings within this chapter include information regarding the management of delayed eruption and ectopic permanent canines, serial extraction techniques and indications for deciduous canine extraction. The publication also includes an explanation of the Index of Treatment Need guidelines. The final chapter, treatment planning, explains how space can be created for alignment through arch expansion and extraction and suggests the indications for each. It also defines the patients who require specialist advice and describes the importance and recommended periods of retention.

In summary, this is an easy to read, well written text which meets all its aims. I believe it is an excellent supportive reference aid for general practitioners. Priced at only £5 this 15 page booklet is great value for money.