Practice abstract
British Dental Journal 196, 143 - 148 (2004)
Published online: 14 February 2004 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4810935
Verifiable CPD Paper:
Orthodontics. Part 7: Fact and fantasy in orthodontics
P Williams1, D Roberts-Harry2 & J Sandy3
- There is no good evidence that orthodontics cures or causes temporomandibular joint dysfunction
- Extracting teeth does not inevitably result in an altered profile
- There is a need for better quality research in many of the controversial areas in orthodontics
Orthodontics
- Who needs orthodontics?
- Patient assessment and examination I
- Patient assessment and examination II
- Treatment planning
- Appliance choices
- Risks in orthodontic treatment
- Fact and fantasy in orthodontics
- Extractions in orthodontics
- Anchorage control and distal movement
- Impacted teeth
- Orthodontic tooth movement
- Combined orthodontic treatment
Abstract
Clinical research has previously lacked good methodology and much opinion was based on anecdote which is widely regarded as the weakest form of clinical evidence. There are few randomised control trials in orthodontics which support or refute areas of dogma. The number of randomised control trials is increasing significantly. There is currently however no good evidence that orthodontics causes or cures temporomandibular joint dysfunction, that appropriate extractions in orthodontics ruin patients' profiles, or that the orthodontist is able to significantly influence facial growth with appliances.
- Specialist Registrar in Orthodontics, Division of Child Dental Health, University of Bristol Dental School, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol BS1 2LY
- Consultant Orthodontist, Orthodontic Department, Leeds Dental Institute, Clarendon Way, Leeds LS2 9LU
- Professor of Orthodontics, Division of Child Dental Health, University of Bristol Dental School, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol BS1 2LY
Correspondence to: D Roberts-Harry2 e-mail: robertsharry@btinternet.com
