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Book Review |
The continuing appeal of this book is evident by the fact that that it is now in its sixth edition. Originally written in 1960 by Walther, the mantle passed to Bill Houston in 1983, when the 4th edition of Walther and Houston's Orthodontic Notes was published. The present editors took over in 1994, with the publication of the 5th edition.
Although the title has shrunk to W&H Orthodontic Notes, in all other respects this 6th edition is bigger and better. Not only are there three additional chapters and more contributors, the size has grown to 15•5 by 23•3 cm! Plus at the end of each chapter (with the exception of that on Class III malocclusions) there is now a section on further reading, which comprises between 1 and 14 references.
The new edition is still published in paperback. With the increased page size the actual number of pages is 252, which is 13 less than in the 5th edition. In addition to the two editors, there are seven contributors, all from Wales.
There are 25 chapters in the new edition. The ‘Facial skeleton’ chapter in the 5th edition has been subdivided into two separate chapters entitled ‘Growth of the facial skeleton’ and ‘Analysis of the facial skeleton’. The latter largely comprises a concise description of cephalometric analysis. The other new chapters include ‘The orthodontic– restorateive interface; and ‘Retention and post-treatment relapse’. The chapter entitled ‘Local factors in the aetiology of malocclusion’ has been replaced by ‘Aetiology and management of the abnormally developing occlusion: interceptive orthodontics’, which is much broader in scope, covering skeletal, soft tissue, and pathology, as well as local, aetiological factors. The final chapter in the 5th edition on ‘Occlusal indices’ has been promoted to second place on the billing in this new edition and is called ‘Orthodontic treatment need, complexity, outcome and cost-effectiveness’. As the title suggests, this chapter covers a wider topic area, discussing in a readable way need, demand, and risk/ benefit analysis. A full description of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) is included, however, the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) and the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON) are mentioned briefly—one of the authors has shown remarkable restraint! This chapter also includes an interesting section on cost-effectiveness—an aspect, which, no doubt will increase in relevance.
The individual categories of malocclusion are considered in separate chapters. Each is logically laid out with aetiological factors, treatment planning, treatment options, and stability discussed in an easy to read style. Some may take issue with the fact that in the chapter on Class II division 1 that nearly 2 pages are given over to discussing treatment with removable appliances, in contrast with less than half a page each on management of this malocclusion with fixed appliances, and functional appliances, respectively. In the editors defence, much of this discussion is given over to the pitfalls of this approach and the need for careful monitoring of tooth movement and the reader is also referred to the separate chapters on ‘Treatment with fixed appliances’ and ‘Treatment with functional appliances’.
The chapter on fixed appliances appears largely unchanged and disappointingly the illustrations in this chapter are as in the previous edition. The functional appliance chapter is concise (6 pages). The section on the oral screen has been omitted and instead sections on ‘Activators for use with fixed appliances’ and ‘Adjunctive appliances to support functionals’ included.
In the new edition the chapter on ‘Radiology in orthodontics’ has been extensively revised and updated and is very good, as are the new chapters on the ‘Orthodontic– restorative interface’ and ‘Retention and post-treatment relapse’. Orthodontic treatment in the adult, orthognathic surgery and cleft lip and palate are also ably covered. The appendices will be of particular interest to the novice—as they comprise an example of a standardised approach to diagnosis and treatment planning; a sample assessment sheet; and the obligatory definitions, which are logically subdivided and concisely explained. The index is satisfyingly thorough.
The proposed target audience remains post-graduates, undergraduates and general dental practitioners and without doubt the editors have produced a book that delivers a straightforward, theoretical base upon which these readers can develop their interest in Orthodontics. Whilst the postgraduate Orthodontic student will need a more detailed supplementary text, I have no reservations in recommending this book to those who wish to purchase an introductory text that will logically introduce the reader to the subject.
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