Ortodonzia clinica e biomeccanica - Clinical orthodontics and biomechanics.

The tooth is not a nosological unit in itself, but it belongs to a three-dimensional structure with: alveolar bones, vessels, nerves, bones, muscles and skin, where each element perform a function or part of it, and the position of the teeth and the basal bone depends on a specific and general neuro-muscular balance (Giannì). Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that aims to achieve functional occlusion and improve the appearance by means of dental movements (orthodontics) and bones (orthopedics). The final purpose of any orthodontic and/or surgical treatment is to achieve a favorable restoration of normal dental occlusion by means of a balanced and contentive intercuspation and a satisfactory aesthetic result that gives well-being to the individual. This results in two complex and remarkable problems to be addressed and solved: one of a functional nature and one of an aesthetic nature. It is not always possible to achieve the ideal and therefore it is necessary to make compromises that resolve in acceptable terms, both aesthetic needs, particularly felt by patients, and functional needs; without prejudice to the principle, emphasized by Capozzi, that indulging in aesthetics to the complete detriment of function can be dangerous because of the risk of failure or recurrence.