[The system and realization of orthodontic treatment in Sweden].

The need for treatment is subdivided into 4 degrees of severity. Nearly 12% of the 7-16-year-old children and adolescents are in urgent need of treatment. The mean duration of treatment (per patient and year) is 4.2 hours. From this it is calculated that 1 orthodontist will be required for 24,000 residents or for 3,500 children and adolescents aged between 7 and 16 years. In Sweden each province (24) has at least 1 orthodontic clinic that is responsible for treatment and advice. The free treatment of patients being in urgent need for treatment is realized by an orthodontist in cases with a high degree of severity, and otherwise by a general dental practitioner who works indepently or takes the advice of an orthodontist.