Orthodontics has progressed greatly in the last decade. Many new devices and concepts have been developed, whereas others have disappeared. Randomized trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses have shown that some things we believed to be true are actually false, or at least not as simple as we once thought. There is an abundance of information, but it is not always easy to find credible references. The emphasis on evidence-based practice is becoming increasingly important, since commercially driven claims are readily available. We often refer to textbooks to obtain necessary information, but not many textbooks contain the most up-to date information.

Tom Graber was the first editor of Orthodontics: Current principles and techniques in the late 1960s. Since then, this book has been one of the most widely used textbooks in the world. Four editors of the new sixth edition—Lee W. Graber, Robert L. Vanarsdall, Katherine W. L. Vig, and Greg J. Huang—are world-renowned researchers and educators. Unfortunately, we lost Dr Vanarsdall this year, and the book is even more significant since it is his last contribution to orthodontics. Sixty-five internationally acclaimed experts participated as coauthors and discussed a range of topics, from the foundations of orthodontics to the current orthodontic-related research and techniques.

This book is divided into 6 parts: Foundations of orthodontics, Diagnosis and treatment planning, Mixed dentition diagnosis and treatment, Orthodontic treatment, Specialized treatment considerations, and Orthodontic retention and post-treatment changes. A seventh section, Classic chapters, is available online only. This voluminous book cannot be described in detail here, but a few chapter highlights can be mentioned.

Part 1, Foundations of orthodontics, includes a chapter by Charles Burstone, “Application of bioengineering to clinical orthodontics.” Burstone was the mastermind behind orthodontic biomechanics. He finished writing the chapter not long before he passed away. In it, he explains the basic concepts of physics to complex orthodontic problems and the manipulation of various orthodontic appliances.

In part 2, Proffit and Nguyen contributed chapter 8, “The decision-making process in orthodontics.” This chapter provides a method of decision-making in orthodontics and how to systematically evaluate patient information for everyday practice.

In chapter 16, “Optimizing orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics: treatment timing and mixed dentition therapy,” McNamara provides a systematic approach to intervening and reducing the severity of a developing malocclusion in the mixed dentition.

Part 4 consists of 11 chapters that cover a range of orthodontic treatment techniques, from traditional (“Contemporary straightwire biomechanics,” “Standard edgewise,” “Nonextraction,” “Bonding”) to interdisciplinary (“Adult interdisciplinary therapy,” “Periodontal-orthodontic interrelationships,” “Orthognathic surgery”), to newer or specialized topics (“Temporary anchorage devices,” “Self-ligating bracket biomechanics,” “Lingual appliance treatment”). In chapter 26, “Clear aligner treatment,” Paquette, Colville, and Wheeler focus on the Invisalign system. They show how to diagnose, plan treatment with ClinCheck software, and achieve various orthodontic tooth movements with the Invisalign system.

The topic of part 5, Specialized treatment considerations, includes many outstanding contributions. In “Management of impactions,” Becker and Chaushu review the etiology of impactions, their prevalence, surgical technique, and traction mechanisms for correcting them. They also discuss failures based on patient-dependent factors, orthodontist-dependent factors, and surgeon-dependent factors. Sameshima and Darendeliler, in their chapter, “Iatrogenic effects of orthodontic treatment: prevention and management of demineralized white lesions,” discuss white spot lesions, root resorption, and how to minimize these unwanted consequences related to orthodontic treatment.

Part 6 covers the important topic of retention and posttreatment changes, and includes recommendations for controlling changes based on retention studies at the University of Washington.

For readers willing to go online, the editors have added part 7, a collection of classic chapters.

This book shows the wide range of current orthodontic topics, from basic science to current clinical techniques with new concepts. One third of the material in this edition is new, compared with previous editions. I believe this book will be a great reference for academics and graduate students as well as clinicians.