Tip-edge orthodontics and the plus bracket, 2nd edition

  • R. Parkhouse
UK: Elsevier price £99.99; pp 216 ISBN 9780723434818 | ISBN: 978-0-7234-3481-8

It has been six years since the first edition of this high quality and widely read textbook and now the second edition reflects the changes that have taken place with respect to the introduction of the redesigned Plus bracket.

The author, Richard Parkhouse, is one of few truly world renowned British orthodontic experts, from a nation sceptical of the Guru approach to clinical practice. He has played a leading role in the clinical development of the Tip-Edge treatment philosophy, which offers an often invaluable alternative or adjunct to conventional straight wire mechanics.

An audience familiar with the first edition will recognise the clear style, layout, many of the illustrations and will find the additional detail of the Plus bracket useful.

Readers new to the subject will find a comprehensive account of orthodontic treatment using this appliance system. Clinically based, the book is divided into 21 chapters which approach the subject in a logical manner, using clinical cases involving a range of different malocclusions. Concepts are explained with the appreciation that many readers will be approaching Tip-Edge from a conventional straightwire background.

Early chapters are related to the development and philosophy of the appliance including a description of the various components. An enlightening description of the Plus bracket base is given, which incorporates a deep tunnel, intended to replace the Side-Winder spring in stage three as the workhorse for achievement of an excellent finish.

The remainder of the book is devoted to the clinical application of the appliance with many useful clinical tips relevant for each of the three stages of treatment. Every chapter is generously illustrated with line drawings and colour photographs of relevant clinical cases. Final chapters cover precision finishing and usefully the non-compliant patient. Lastly, a summary of the aims of each stage of treatment and how they are achieved is provided as a valuable recap.

Tip-Edge involves a fundamentally different concept to that of conventional straightwire appliances, and I feel that a useful addition to an excellent text would be some referencing to further reading or direction to the sources of evidence available to support the text.