Functional
Diagnostics

We carry out special diagnostics (functional diagnostics) before starting orthodontic treatment. In the course of the therapy, the functional diagnostics are repeated and the success of the treatment is continuously monitored in this way.

The functional diagnostics aims at an optimal functioning of the dentition, i.e. the avoidance (or treatment) of joint dysfunctions or discomforts and pain, a good bite with regard to dentition and chewing function, the position and mobility of the tongue and the surrounding chewing muscles. Moreover questions have to be answered concerning the development of speaking or breathing. We also take the susceptibility to infection of the throat and nose and in rare cases problems with hearing into account.

In the course of treatment, we primarily optimize dental function including the aspects mentioned above.

It is particularly insidious in children and adolescents that the body can compensate much better at a young age than in adulthood, so that discomforts and pains often do not yet show up, even if the basic predisposition already exists.

On the other hand, the fact that the body is still growing opens up the unique opportunity to treat malfunctions or misalignments in a particularly gentle way by influencing (controlling) growth in a positive sense. In any case, this factor has a generally positive effect on the treatability of orthodontic cases. In addition, treatments at this age take less time than in adults.

As already mentioned, one of the most important goals of orthodontic treatment is the optimal functioning of the temporomandibular joints with regard to their position, movements, muscular aspects and all individual characteristics such as anomalies, forced bites (see below) or early contacts (see also below).

To achieve this, it is important to consider the individual movements of the temporomandibular joints, which always vary slightly from patient to patient. Furthermore, the exact positioning of the temporomandibular joints is also important. Here, too, the individual anatomical conditions of our young patients play a decisive role. In many cases, we work closely together with pediatricians, pediatric orthopedists and pediatric osteopaths.

The advantage for children and adolescents who attach particular importance to the esthetic aspects of the treatment is that functional therapeutic aspects do not conflict with esthetic requirements. On the contrary, in most cases we achieve both in an excellent way, because it “automatically” looks esthetically good if the bite function is optimal.