CONTROVERSIES IN ORTHODONTICS

This dissertation focuses on various controversies seen in Orthodontics due to clash of opinion between our great leaders whose ideas were both scientific based and opinion based.Controversies were present right from growth prediction to etiology of malocclusion and its classification . If orthodontic controversies are to be resolved they will have to be settled through appropriately directed and designed research. Such clinical research will need to address specific questions with methodologies, some of which have not yet been applied to, or widely accepted by, orthodontics.Most of the controversies have resolved over time but to some controversies solution can be provided because one treatment may be advantageous in one particular situation while other may be advantageous in other situation. Every management will have some advantage or disadvantage depending on the situation. Which treatment to choose depends completely on the knowledge and skill of the clinician.There is no doubt that with time various disagreements or differences of opinion will disappear as new issues emerge and others assume greater significance.