Orthodontic diagnosis in young children: beyond dental malocclusions.

Orthodontics is more than merely diagnosing and treating dental malocclusion. It also includes diagnosis and treatment of facial/skeletal problems, upper airway obstruction (mouth breathing), temporomandibular dysfunction, and abnormal myofunctional habits. These assessments should be made in all patients but especially in children as young as age 5 to take advantage of facial growth. If problems are diagnosed early and preventive measures are instituted, many facial and dental problems may be minimized or averted.