Reviewed by Alex Jacobson

Many believe that, since we are now in the age of straight archwires, wire bending is no longer necessary. The straight wire technique, however, does not allow for adjustments to a patient’s unique skeletal morphology, dysfunction, tooth size, and dentition as well as the patient’s age, sex, and wishes. On the other hand, success in orthodontic treatment does not depend on wire bending alone. Alveolar bone, periodontal membrane, gingiva, lingual frenum, and muscle and tongue functions need to be carefully evaluated and considered. The preface and introductory chapter of this book provide brief philosophical discussions of those criteria. To appropriately position the teeth in the jaws to improve masticatory function and esthetic appearance, 3-dimensional casts trimmed according to the line of occlusion are necessary. The procedure is briefly described in chapter 2. Chapter 3, “Basic wire bending,” begins by discussing the selection of pliers. The pliers most frequently used is the Biospecial; it is used in bioprogressive therapy to bend 0.016 × 0.016-in blue Elgiloy and other wires with similar properties. Other pliers used, albeit infrequently, are the birdbeak and the Howe. Described is how orthodontists should train themselves in the posture and way of holding pliers when using them to bend wire. Shown and clearly illustrated are the following loops: vertical open loop, vertical helical closing loop, horizontal “L” open boot loop, horizontal “T” open boot loop, vertical approximated helical closing loop, and helical loop. Also demonstrated in the same chapter are the straight section (mandibular left), retraction section (maxillary left), stabilizing helical section (maxillary left), mandibular utility arch, maxillary closing utility arch (second premolar to second premolar, 0.016 × 0.022-in wire), mandibular ideal arch form (first molar to first molar, 0.016 × 0.022-in wire), and ideal arch coordination.

Chapter 4, “Corrective techniques: clinical cases,” likewise beautifully illustrates rotation of the mandibular anterior teeth, rotation of the mandibular right second premolar and maxillary central incisors, correction of ectopic eruption of the maxillary canines, treatment of lateral open bite and first molar crossbite, and correction of various malocclusions, including Class II Division 2 deepbite in adults and patients who are still growing, mandibular dental arch expansion for Class II Division 1 malocclusion, and finishing a Class II Division 1 patient. Three illustrations on each page make for easy reference and clearly illustrate the particular procedure described.

The spiral-bound soft-cover edition is an excellent investment for orthodontic students or practitioners who wish to refine their clinical skills.