Genetics in Orthodontics.

Catalog description

In about sixty percent of dental conditions and diseases, genetics plays an important – and sometimes the major – role in etiology. As orthodontics is focusing on treatment of malocclusions and dentofacial deformities, in etiology of which genetics is almost always in the background, it is important for an orthodontist to understand why or how a malocclusion occurs, how it reacts to a treatment plan, to what extent it may be expressed in the next generation, and - last but not least - if it can be prevented. The concepts of heredity and genetics in orthodontics are covered in this course starting with historical Orthodontia Era (1900-1930), through Hereditary vs Environment Era (1930-1970) and Heritability Era (1970-2000) to the present time Orthodontic Genomic Era. Nowadays, genetics is a backbone of personalized medicine and also of personalized orthodontics. Patient’s treatment outcome may be affected by combinations of specific gene mutations not only in orofacial clefts, craniofacial anomalies and malocclusions, but also in external apical root resorption, mandibular morphology, tooth size, hypodontia, and other conditions. Understanding of basic genetic and translational research concepts is needed for precision orthodontics and for utilization of modern genomic information for improved treatment of malocclusions and dentofacial deformities. (Quarters 2-3.).