Difference between revisions of "Introduction"

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{{q2|The diagnostics, treatment tactics and prevention of dento-facial anomalies and deformations should be considered in the context of the integrity of the child's unformed organism, the interdependence of the form and functions of its organs and systems}}
{{q2|Diagnosis, treatment strategies, and prevention of anomalies and dento-facial deformities should be approached by considering the organism as a whole, especially in children, where the physical structure is still in the formative stage. It is essential to recognize the interconnectedness between the form and function of various organs and systems of the body, as these relationships are crucial for devising an effective treatment plan that respects and promotes the harmonious development of the patient.}}


Another noteworthy fact is that if in the same 2019 Pubmed was questioned on interdisciplinarity in the diagnosis of malocclusions, the result dropped drastically to just four articles<ref>Pubmed, ''[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=interdisciplinary+diagnostics+of+malocclusions interdisciplinary diagnostics of malocclusions]''</ref>.
Another noteworthy piece of data emerged when, also in 2019, PubMed was specifically queried for interdisciplinary approaches in diagnosing malocclusions: the results drastically decreased to only four articles.<ref>Pubmed, ''[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=interdisciplinary+diagnostics+of+malocclusions interdisciplinary diagnostics of malocclusions]''</ref>


These premises to the "Malocclusion” question indicate, on one hand, an alert about anomalies that tend to activate Kuhn phase 4 and, on the other, a bifurcation in the epistemic choice on the subject: one that generates Incremental Innovations (others 33,309 articles, perhaps) and another that prefers a new gnoseological path of "Paradigmatic Innovation”.
This observation regarding the topic of "Malocclusion" underscores two critical points: firstly, it highlights a growing awareness of anomalies that could trigger phase 4 of Kuhn's model, suggesting a potential moment of paradigmatic shift. Secondly, it signals a bifurcation in epistemic choices regarding the topic: on one hand, the tendency to generate Incremental Innovations, as evidenced by the other 33,309 articles, and on the other hand, a propensity towards a new gnoseological trajectory that favors a "Paradigmatic Innovation".
 
To explore the concept of "Paradigmatic Innovation", considered essential in this context, let's begin by posing a specific question:
 
Another noteworthy piece of data is that if in the same year, 2019, PubMed was queried about the interdisciplinarity in diagnosing malocclusions, the result dropped drastically to only four articles.
 
These premises regarding the question of "Malocclusion" indicate, on one hand, an alertness to anomalies that tend to trigger phase 4 of Kuhn and, on the other hand, a bifurcation in epistemic choice on the topic: one that generates Incremental Innovations (other 33,309 articles, perhaps) and another that prefers a new gnoseological path of "Paradigmatic Innovation".
 
Let's try to approach part of the concept that considers "Paradigmatic Innovation" essential, asking, for example:


Let’s try to approach part of the concept that considers the "Paradigmatic Innovation” as essential, asking ourselves for example:
[[File:Occlusal Centric view in open and cross bite patient.jpg|alt=|thumb|'''Figure 1a:'''<br>Patient with malocclusion, open bite and right posterior crossbite who in rehabilitation terms should be treated with orthodontic therapy and/or orthognathic surgery.|500x500px]]
[[File:Occlusal Centric view in open and cross bite patient.jpg|alt=|thumb|'''Figure 1a:'''<br>Patient with malocclusion, open bite and right posterior crossbite who in rehabilitation terms should be treated with orthodontic therapy and/or orthognathic surgery.|500x500px]]


{{qnq|What does "Malocclusion" mean?|}}
{{qnq|What does "Malocclusion" mean?|}}


We will answer this question by reporting a clinical case of evident “Malocclusion”.  
To answer the previously posed question, let's examine a clinical case that clearly exemplifies "malocclusion".  


Patient is with an occlusion that orthodontists call “Malocclusion” because it has a posterior unilateral crossbite and anterior openbite<ref>{{cita libro  
The case involves a patient presenting a type of occlusion commonly defined by orthodontists as "malocclusion", characterized by a unilateral posterior crossbite and an anterior open bite;<ref>{{cita libro  
  | autore = Littlewood SJ
  | autore = Littlewood SJ
  | autore2 = Kandasamy S
  | autore2 = Kandasamy S
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  | DOI = 10.1111/adj.12475
  | DOI = 10.1111/adj.12475
  | OCLC =  
  | OCLC =  
  }} Mar;62 Suppl 1:51-57.</ref>; it is a malocclusion that can be treated with a fixed orthodontic therapy and possibly in combination with an orthognathic intervention<ref>{{cita libro  
  }} Mar;62 Suppl 1:51-57.</ref> these conditions represent a form of malocclusion that can be effectively treated through the use of fixed orthodontic appliances, sometimes in combination with orthognathic surgery if necessary.<ref>{{cita libro  
  | autore = Reichert I
  | autore = Reichert I
  | autore2 = Figel P
  | autore2 = Figel P
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  | DOI = 10.1007/s10006-013-0430-5
  | DOI = 10.1007/s10006-013-0430-5
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  | OCLC =  
  }} Sep;18(3):271-7. </ref>. Crossbite is another element of disturbance in normal occlusion<ref>{{cita libro  
  }} Sep;18(3):271-7. </ref> The crossbite is identified as a significant alteration from normal occlusion, which requires concurrent treatment with the open bite due to their functional interrelationship.<ref>{{cita libro  
  | autore = Miamoto CB
  | autore = Miamoto CB
  | autore2 = Silva Marques L  
  | autore2 = Silva Marques L  
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  | DOI =  
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  }} Jan-Feb; 23(1) 71–78.</ref> because of which it is obligatorily treated together with the openbite<ref>{{cita libro  
  }} Jan-Feb; 23(1) 71–78.</ref><ref>{{cita libro  
  | autore = Alachioti XS  
  | autore = Alachioti XS  
  | autore2 = Dimopoulou E
  | autore2 = Dimopoulou E
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  }} Jan;5(1):21-7.</ref>. It is self-evident that an observer with a ''deterministic mindset'' facing a phenomenon of such evident occlusal incongruity considers crossbite and openbite the cause of malocclusion (cause/effect) or vice versa; and it is obvious, as well, that the observer recommends an orthodontic treatment to restore a “Normocclusion”. This way of reasoning means that the model (masticatory system) is “normalized to occlusion”, and if read backwards it means that the occlusal discrepancy is the cause of malocclusion and, therefore, of disease of the Masticatory System. (Figure 1a).  
  }} Jan;5(1):21-7.</ref>
 
It becomes clear that a deterministic approach to diagnosing such obvious occlusal incongruence might lead to considering both the crossbite and the open bite as both causes and effects of malocclusion, consequently suggesting orthodontic intervention to restore "Normocclusion". This mode of thinking would presuppose that the model (the masticatory system) should be "normalized" with respect to occlusion. Interpreted conversely, this would imply that the occlusal discrepancy is the cause of malocclusion and, by extension, pathology of the Masticatory Apparatus. (Figure 1a).
 
In the context of a clinical case highlighting the presence of malocclusion, with particular attention to the unilateral posterior crossbite and anterior open bite, the importance of dialogue between dentist and patient emerges. This informative conversation is crucial not only for sharing the diagnosis and treatment options but also for understanding the patient's concerns, expectations, and desires. Here's how such a dialogue might unfold:
 
 
'''Dentist:''' "Considering your malocclusion situation, which includes an open bite and unilateral posterior crossbite, treatment is recommended to improve both aesthetics and chewing functionality. Without intervention, you may experience future problems such as bruxism, swallowing difficulties, and potential postural issues."


'''Patient:''' "Absolutely not, doctor. I have no intention of undergoing any treatment. I may have an imperfect smile, but my chewing function is excellent. I eat without any issues, so I don't see why I should worry."


'''Dentist:''' "I understand that you feel comfortable with your current chewing condition. However, it's important to consider that some problems may not be immediately evident but could manifest over time, affecting not only oral health but also overall well-being."


But let's hear what the two players say, the dentist and the patient, in the informative dialogue.
'''Patient:''' "I appreciate your concern, doctor, but really, I have no problems chewing or swallowing. And as for bruxism or postural issues, I don't suffer from them. I'm also very physically active. For me, undergoing treatment that I don't feel is necessary would be excessive."


The dentist tells the patient that he is suffering from severe malocclusion and that it should be treated to improve its aesthetics and chewing function. The patient, however, replies firmly: «''No way, I haven't the slightest idea to do it at all, doctor, because I might even have an unrepresentative smile, but I eat very well.''»<br>The dentist’s reply is ready, so the practitioner insists by saying: «''but you have a serious malocclusion with an openbite and a unilateral posterior crossbite, you should already have problems with bruxism and swallowing, as well as posture.''»<br>The patient closes the confrontation in a decisive way: «''absolutely false: I chew very well, I swallow very well and at night I snore alot so I don’t grind; besides, I’m a sportsman and I don’t have any postural disturbance''».
'''Dentist:''' "I understand your position. It's crucial that you feel comfortable with any decision made regarding your health. My role is to inform you about potential long-term implications and available treatment options. If you ever change your mind or need further information, know that I'm here to assist you."
----The situation becomes particularly critical when we consider the patient's verbal language regarding their chewing functionality. This can be misleading, as it may not reflect a detailed understanding of the pathophysiology of the occlusal state. On the contrary, it could paradoxically indicate an intact system if interpreted through a "machine language" converted into verbal terms. In this impasse, neither the patient nor the observer (dentist) can assert with certainty the presence of an actual "Malocclusion."


Now the conclusion remains very critical because we might be finding ourselves in front of a verbal language of the patient which is misleading because it is not specific and does not respond to a detailed physiopathogenetic knowledge of the occlusal state; or, paradoxically, we are otherwise facing a machine language converted into verbal language which guarantees the integrity of the system. At this point the situation is truly embarrassing because neither the patient nor the observer (dentist) will be able to say with certainty that the System is in a “Malocclusion” state.
In this context, the reference to the American Statistical Association's critique entitled "Statistical inference in the 21st century: A World Beyond p < 0.05" becomes relevant, as it invites the researcher to navigate uncertainty with sensitivity, reflexivity, openness, and modesty in assertions.<ref name="wasser" /> This stance paves the way for interdisciplinarity as a key to addressing such complex issues.


It is precisely at this moment that one remembers the criticism of the American Statistician Association titled “''Statistical inference in the 21st century: A World Beyond p <0.05''”, which urges the researcher to accept uncertainty, be sensible reflective, open and modest in his statements<ref name="wasser" />: which basically translates into a search for interdisciplinarity.
The interdisciplinary approach becomes crucial in interpreting the biological phenomenon of "Malocclusion" through a stochastic mindset, which will be explored in more detail later.


Interdisciplinarity, in fact, could answer such a complex question; but it is nonetheless necessary to interpret the biological phenomenon of "“Malocclusion”" with a ''stochastic forma mentis of'' which we will discuss in detail later..
A stochastic observer might note that, at time <math>T_n </math>, there is a low probability that the patient is in a state of occlusal disease, given their expression of optimal psychophysical well-being. This leads to the conclusion that occlusal discrepancy does not necessarily entail a neuromuscular and psychophysical functional disorder. Therefore, the masticatory system should not be normalized solely to occlusion but requires a broader understanding that includes the Trigeminal Nervous System.


A stochastic observer may observe that there is a low probability that the patient, at the moment <math>T_n </math>, is in a state of occlusal disease, as the patient's natural language indicates ideal psychophysical health; he/she then concludes that the occlusal discrepancy could not be a cause of neuromuscular and psychophysical functional disorder. In this case, therefore, the Masticatory System can not only be normalized to the occlusion only, but a more complex model is needed too, so it has to be normalized to the Trigeminal Nervous System. The patient was then served a series of trigeminal electrophysiological tests to assess the integrity of his/her Trigeminal Nervous System in these “"Malocclusion”" clinical conditions.
To assess the integrity of the patient's Trigeminal Nervous System in the presence of "malocclusion," specific electrophysiological tests were performed. The results of these tests, shown in Figures 1b, 1c, and 1d (with explanations in the captions), should be interpreted as a "Conceptual Rationale" within the context of the "Malocclusion" issue. These introductory data reveal an apparent discrepancy between the occlusal state, which traditionally might be considered pathological, and the neurophysiological data demonstrating perfect synchronization and symmetry of trigeminal reflexes.


We can see the following output responses, which we report directly in figures 1b, 1c and 1d (with explanation in the caption, to simplify the discussion). These tests and their description by now should only be considered as “Conceptual Rationale” for the “Malocclusion” question; later they will be widely described and their analysis detailed in the specific chapters. It can already be noted in this first descriptive approach to the masticatory phenomenon that there is an evident discrepancy between the occlusal state (which at first would support the orthodoxy of classical orthodontics in considering it as “Malocclusive State”) and the neurophysiological data indicating incredible synchronization and perfect symmetry of the trigeminal reflexes.<gallery mode="slideshow">
<gallery mode="slideshow">
File:Bilateral Electric Transcranial Stimulation.jpg|'''Figure 1b:''' Motor evoked potential from electrical transcranial stimulation of the trigeminal roots. Note the structural symmetry calculated by the peak-to-peak amplitude on the right and left masseters.
File:Bilateral Electric Transcranial Stimulation.jpg|'''Figura 1b:''' The Figure shows the results of a motor evoked potential test obtained through transcranial electrical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve roots. Attention is focused on structural symmetry, which was calculated by comparing the peak-to-peak amplitudes of evoked potentials in the right and left masseter muscles.
File:Jaw Jerk .jpg|'''Figure 1c:''' Mandibular reflex evoked by percussion of the chin through a triggered neurological hammer.
File:Jaw Jerk .jpg|'''Figura 1c:''' This figure shows the jaw reflex evoked by percussion of the chin with a piezoelectric neurological hammer. Once again, what stands out is the observed functional symmetry, highlighted by the analysis of peak-to-peak amplitude in the right and left masseter muscles. Functional symmetry in a malocclusion condition suggests that reflexive responses of the masticatory system can remain effectively balanced despite occlusal discrepancies. This further reinforces the argument that a diagnosis of malocclusion does not necessarily translate into manifest neuromuscular dysfunctions, and that the integrity of the masticatory system can be maintained.
File:Mechanic Silent Period.jpg|'''Figure 1d:''' Mechanical silent period evoked by percussion of the chin through a triggered neurological hammer. Note the functional symmetry calculated on the integral area of the right and left masseters.  
File:Mechanic Silent Period.jpg|'''Figura 1d:''' Illustrates the evoked mechanical silent period elicited by percussion of the chin with a triggered neurological hammer. This type of measurement focuses on the integral area of the right and left masseter muscles, and what emerges prominently is the functional symmetry between the two sides. The presence of this symmetry underscores that, despite the malocclusion condition, neuromuscular dynamics, specifically in terms of reflex inhibition after stimulation, are maintained in a balanced equilibrium.
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These results can be attributed to anything less than a "malocclusion": we are obviously in front of an error of the logic Language in medicine, in this case it is in fact more appropriate to talk about:
Through the examination of these electrophysiological data – Figures 1b, 1c, and now 1d – a picture emerges that challenges conventional interpretations of malocclusion and its clinical implications. The observed functional symmetry in these measurements indicates that the approach to diagnosing and treating malocclusions could significantly benefit from a broader evaluation, including detailed analysis of neuromuscular function. These results emphasize the importance of an interdisciplinary and integrated diagnostic and therapeutic model that goes beyond simply correcting occlusal discrepancies to include an overall assessment of the well-being of the masticatory system and, by extension, the patient.


{{qnq|Occlusal dysmorphism and not Malocclusion (which, as we shall see a little further on, is quite another thing)|}}
{{qnq|Occlusal Dismorphisms and Not Malocclusion
(...which, as we will see shortly, is an entirely different matter.)|}}


== Conclusion==
== Conclusion==
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