Orthodontics in 3 millennia. Chapter 12: Two controversies: Early treatment and occlusion

From the beginning, orthodontists have been faced with the decision of when to start treatment. Until the late 20th century, this decision was based on clinical observation, the influence of strong leaders, and (after midcentury) the results obtained by what Europeans called “functional jaw orthopedics.” Recent findings questioning the efficacy of early treatment have forced orthodontists to ask themselves whether their decision to “start now” is being influenced too heavily by practice-management considerations. Our concept of occlusion has evolved from a static to a dynamic one. Emulating their prosthodontist brethren, orthodontists have attempted to reproduce jaw movements with the use of articulators, but the popularity of these devices has been declining in recent years.