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Optimization of Orthodontic Elastics

Michel Langlade GAC International, Central Islip. (N.Y.) 2000 224 pp., hb, £139 GAC catalogue number: 27-800-50

This book is written by a French orthodontist and marketed by GAC international with the aim of introducing the reader to the use of elastics in orthodontic practice. The book comprises 10 chapters describing the array of intra- and extra-oral elastic uses in different malocclusions and is well illustrated with colored clinical photographs, line drawings, tables, and useful summary boxes.

The first three chapters serve as a gentle introduction to elastics. They start by defining the uses of elastics, their history, and classification in orthodontics. The fourth chapter targets patient motivation. It outlines the importance of patient compliance, patient understanding to the placement of elastics, and suggests ways to keep patients motivated during treatment through the use of a scorecard.

The next three chapters describe the use of elastics in Class I, II, and III cases. The attempt to give a scientific aspect to elastic usage by relating force levels to different tooth movements is plausible. It also quantifies the use of elastics from a biomechanical viewpoint and illustrates, with diagrams and pictures, their use in a variety of appliance systems, ranging from simple removable appliances and the Straight Wire Appliance to more complex systems like the bioprogressive technique. The problems relating the TMJ/orthodontic mechanics and clinical pitfalls of elastic wear were also described.

Chapter 8 outlines 10 different ways of using elastics, from the contraction/expansion of transverse dental arch relationships to vertical/horizontal movement of teeth. These are practical and sensible ideas.

The final chapter on the rationale for elastic prescription amalgamates the information that has been acquired throughout the book. A simple quiz section with solutions at the end challenges the reader to apply the knowledge obtained from the proceeding chapters.

In all, this book has been a refreshing way to describe elastic usage in orthodontics. It is well documented with many clinical pictures and diagrams to illustrate different clinical techniques. Occasionally, it is easy to forget the different ways of achieving a good clinical result with elastics, especially when one employs a favourite technique that works well in routine orthodontic practice. This book bridges the gap in knowledge on elastic usage by displaying a variety of solutions to a problem.

However, this book cannot be read in isolation from rest of the orthodontic literature, but is a good supplement to the knowledge of every clinician. The price of £139 is expensive and may not represent value for money to individuals, but I would recommend that this book be kept in every orthodontic departmental library. This book represents a good read for all who are starting out in orthodontics or those who are striving to add to an arsenal of skills in the orthodontic office.

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by How, K. C. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by How, K. C.