Evidence-based individualized orthodontic treatment: The future of orthodontics?

Abstract

The term "Evidence-based Orthodontic Treatment" is often used in orthodontic clinical and research publications to validate a particular therapeutic approach. The most pertinent questions regarding this is - what is the actual "evidence" for what we do as orthodontists? and where does it come from? Development of knowledge in the areas of molecular biology, craniofacial growth and development, histological tissue reaction, and dental materials, as well as the improved use of statistics have supported the current theoretical basis for orthodontic treatment. As a result, there has been increase in development of technical procedures for patient care. However, it is necessary to have "Scientific Proof" if we use the word "Evidence." Looking to the future, we need to focus on individual patient variables by better monitoring differences in the biological and psycho-social backgrounds among patients. In future, clinicians performing orthodontic treatment planning will need to cultivate an "individualized diagnostic eye," based on improved understanding of patient characteristics with genome analysis.

Keywords: Clinical experience; Evidence; Genome analysis; Scientific proof.