895H
Fig. 14.1 The Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need.
(R. Evans and W. Shaw (1987). Reproduced with kind permission of the Editor of
the European Journal of Orthodontics.)
14.2.3 Referral for orthodontic advice
The referring dentist can give the orthodontist a lot of invaluable information.
Timing of referral
The right time for orthodontic intervention will vary according to the condition, but if
specialist advice is needed it is better to refer too early rather than too late. The
majority of orthodontic treatments are carried out in the late mixed and early
permanent dentition, but some conditions may be treated earlier (see 896HSection 14.4),
and some treatments, such as functional appliances, depend on active facial growth
and should not be delayed too long before starting.
Patient and family attitudes
In many cases the dentist will have known the family for some time, and will know
their level of dental awareness, their degree of concern about the malocclusion, and
their attendance record. This information can be difficult for the orthodontist to pick
up during one or two short consultations, but is vital when assessing the likely
compliance with orthodontic treatment.