Transverse Discrepancy in Orthodontics: A Review.

ABSTRACT

In today’s orthodontic practice esthetics is a primary concern both for patient and the orthodontist. The perception of esthetics for a lay person largely depends on the symmetry of the face. Hence, diagnosis and correction of the transverse discrepancy are imperative for optimum result. Some occlusal relations can result from skeletal jaw relation or from tooth positions. Malocclusion can occur in three planes of space, i.e., sagittal, transverse, and vertical plane. Transverse discrepancy is “An abnormality of development in transverse plane.” In orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, the emphasis is placed on recognizing asymmetry and achieving symmetric results with dental midlines coincident with each other and with the facial midline. Humans, like most other animals, are considered to display bilateral symmetry. By strict definition, this implies that mirror-image mathematical identity exists between right and left halves. In orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, emphasis is placed on recognizing asymmetry and achieving symmetric results. Treatment of an asymmetry can be challenging. The 1st treatment step is to diagnose if the asymmetry is of functional, dental or skeletal cause. The treatment options for transverse problem may include arch coordination, asymmetric extraction, asymmetric mechanics, and skeletal correction by orthopedic or surgical procedure. However, it is crucial to determine that the observed asymmetry is genuine and not the product of a functional or habitual shift of the mandible as is often the case with unilateral cross-bites due to reduced width of the maxillary arch.