Orthodontics in its century of existence have had a lot of landmarks in its evolution, but very few can match the clinical impact made by micro-implants and the recently introduced infra-zygomatic crest (IZC) and buccal shelf (BS) orthodontic bone screws. Micro-implants and extra-radicular bone screws have brought about a renaissance to the field of orthodontics with its concept of absolute anchorage. It is an added armamentarium in the hands of an experienced clinician to overcome new clinical challenges and convert even borderline surgical cases to nonsurgical without compromising with the...

Correction of a transverse discrepancy usually requires expansion of the palate by a combination of orthopedic and orthodontic tooth movements. Initially transverse forces tip the buccal segments laterally with proper appliance design; third order movements will induce bodily translation. If the force is strong enough separation occurs at the maxillary suture. The amount of orthopedic versus orthodontic changes depends greatly on patient's age. What we have seen in these brief sojourns through the neighbourhood of lateral expansion was few of the most commonly used methods and materials...

Orthodontic Treatment is based on the principle that if prolonged pressure is applied to a tooth, tooth movement will occur as the bone around the tooth remodels. Bone is selectively removed in some areas & added in others. In essence, the tooth moves through the bone carrying its attachment apparatus with it, as the socket of the tooth migrates. Because the bony response is mediated by the periodontal ligament, tooth movement is primarily a periodontal ligament phenomenon.

The development of integrated 3D tools for diagnosis and treatment planning in one of the most exciting developments in orthodontics as the specialty moves into the 21st century. The process of treating the orthodontic patient with appliances fabricated by computer generated images is a significant step. It represents the beginning of the closing of the cycle. But as valuable as these new advances are, a strong cautionary note is in order. No one of these methods and indeed no combination of them will treat malocclusion by itself. The key element in orthodontic treatment remains a skilled...