Dr Clarke is a pioneer in functional orthopedic therapy. He continues to develop innovative appliances for orthodontic and orthopedic techniques that have changed clinical practice worldwide. In 1977, he developed the Twin-block appliance and is the author of the well-known textbook Twin Block Functional Therapy: Applications in Dentofacial Orthopaedics. Dr Clarke has over half a century of clinical experience and now works part time in his private practice in Kirkcaldy, United Kingdom.

At the outset, I should say that I enjoyed reading his latest book volume, New Horizons in Orthodontics . Dr Clarke recounted his personal experiences of the evolution of orthodontic techniques from 1960 to the present day. He described comprehensively the major developments in fixed appliance techniques over the past 50 years and illustrated his descriptions with photographs of several of his patients. Dr Clarke, who is known for developing new appliances, has devoted 3 of the 10 chapters to the appliances and techniques he has personally developed. These show not only his passion for orthodontics but also his high level of skill and innovation.

This book is full of photographs, and the text is kept to a minimum, but a number of the clinical photographs appear slightly overexposed or out of focus. Although it is packed with illustrations, it is, however, easy to get lost in this book, since there is no index to guide readers.

The book is entirely about the author’s personal clinical experiences and makes no attempt at serious discussion of the evidence base for this treatment philosophy. Because it does not cover any scientific aspects of orthodontics, it can only be of limited interest to orthodontic researchers and academics.

Overall, this is an interesting book for young readers, perhaps new to dentofacial orthopedics, who have a hunger to learn how orthodontics has developed over the past 50 years.

You can purchase and download a PDF ebook directly from the author’s Web site, www.newhorizonsinorthodontics.com .