The Orthodontic Patient: Treatment and Biomenchanics

  • A. Ireland &
  • F. McDonald
Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003 price £24.95, pp341 ISBN 0198510489 | ISBN: 0-198-51048-9

This paperback is a companion to the author's first book - Diagnosis of Orthodontic Patients. (Published 1998 - Oxford University Press), and is laid out in 9 sections.

Section 1 discusses histo-physiology of the tissues involved in jaw growth and tooth support. Includes synopsis of recent and current research into cellular chemistry, but glosses over the essential concept of anchorage, which is so crucial in the planning and execution of successful treatment. This key subject is not covered at all in the previous book.

Section 2 classifies malocclusion, and discuss objectives of orthodontic treatment, and its limitations. Line diagrams are simple and clear, and the section ends with a brief explanation of the PAR index in assessing results of treatment.

Section 3 discusses removable appliances, giving the essential principles of design, explaining the components; there is also useful advice on the management of patients, and clinical tips on the adjustment of these appliances.

Section 4 explains the principles of functional appliance therapy, beginning with facial growth, and discussing research into mode of action. The various types of appliance in common use are described and illustrated. Again management and control of both patient and appliances are covered clearly.

Section 5 comprises a brief survey of headgear and its application, including both posterior headgear and face masks for Class III correction.

Section 6 is the largest part of the book, attempting to give comprehensive coverage of the use of fixed appliances. There is considerable detail here which, due to space constraints in a handbook of this size, is liable to produce confusion as only brief explanations are given.

Section 7 deals with the properties of materials used in orthodontics, listing advantages and disadvantages. Methods of clinical placement and removal of fixed appliance components are covered clearly in this important section of the book.

Section 8 gives an outline of the main links between orthodontics and other dental treatment; hypodontia is just mentioned, implants merit a paragraph, and the main attention is given to orthognathic surgery and cleft palate care. Today many more cases of adult restorative treatment require an orthodontic component, but this is given only passing acknowledgement.

Section 9 admirably discusses the risks of orthodontic treatment, which are many. Informed consent, whilst mentioned as the final sentence in the book, merits rather more prominence in these times of increasing litigation.

Overall, this book is comprehensive, detailed, simply illustrated and provides a wealth of references. Despite forcing a quart into a pint pot, it is a useful addition to the library.