ORTHODONTIC PEARLS THE PANADENT RULER: Precision in Diagnosis & Streamline Record-Keeping By Matthew Standridge DDS, FAGD, FICOI I n this installment of orthodontic pearls, we focus on an invaluable tool that took my screenings, diagnostics and case workups to a new level: the Panadent ruler. This instrument offers practical chairside applications that can elevate preci-sion in diagnosis and documenta-tion, enhance treatment planning and simplify high quality data gath-ering. Let’s explore how this simple tool can be integrated into daily practice to maximize efficiency and care. Accurate occlusal measurements are critical in diagnosing malocclusions, evaluating jaw relationships and track-ing treatment progress in orthodon-tics. The Panadent ruler (Figure 1) stands out as a highly specialized tool designed to meet these demands, offering precision in both clinical diag-nosis and treatment planning. In addition to its general applica-tion in occlusal analysis, the Panadent ruler is versatile enough for a wide range of other diagnostic func-tions, including TMJ range of motion tests, measuring overbite and overjet, calculating Shimbashi measurements, and assessing tooth size discrepancies. TMJ Range of Motion Tests One of the key clinical uses of the Panadent ruler is in temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) evaluations, where it aids in measuring critical jaw movements. Proper diagnosis and management of TMJ dysfunc-tions rely heavily on understanding the full range of mandibular motion, and the Panadent ruler allows for precise assessments, including: Figure 1 6 Fall 2024 JAOS
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society Fall 2024: Page 6
