Journal of Orthodontics, Vol. 28, No. 4, 319,
December 2001
© 2001 British Orthodontic Society
Problem Solving in Orthodontics
C. J. Burstone and M. R. Marcotte Quintessence Publishing Co Inc, Illinois, 2000 267 pp., 400 illus. $188, Hardback ISBN: 0–86715–353–9
J.P.M.
This new book begins by addressing the questions: are traditional goals and strategies in orthodontics obsolete, and is a new paradigm needed? The authors proceed to answer both questions in the affirmative, promoting the concept that there is a unique and specific problem list for each patient, which needs to be addressed not by any single treatment technique, but by utilizing a three-dimensional plan for orthodontic diagnosis. This defines treatment goals, strategies, and sequencing to ensure that treatment is not delineated by orthodontic classification. The orthodontic mechanotherapy, therefore, is designed to achieve planned treatment goals, rather than being a journey through any given technique. The chapters themselves form a logical progression through orthodontic treatment sequencing, beginning with the assessment of the need for skeletal changes, followed by arch cant, form and width, all of which are, in the later chapters, applied to well presented and challenging cases. This book particularly addresses the concept of non-surgical orthodontic treatment and the factors involved in differentiating extraction from non-extraction therapy. Two diagnostic methods, the occlusogram and the Visualized Treatment Objective remain central to the three-dimensional diagnosis concept, and are both held up for debate and discussion.
The appendices listing mesio-distal diameters of the permanent and deciduous teeth; comprehensive cephalometric standards and methods; growth prediction increments and comprehensive occlusogram techniques are extremely useful to both young and experienced orthodontists, all of whom will benefit from reading this closely reasoned and beautifully presented book.
