Orthodontics In Balance: Science, Evidence, and Clinical Experience

This book brings together the results of decades of experience, research, and clinical dedication. Through a carefully curated selection of cases, the author and her team present innovative solutions that integrate advanced biomechanics, skeletal anchorage, and a profound understanding of the masticatory system's function. Their comprehensive approach—converging the temporomandibular joint, musculature, clinical diagnosis, and treatment mechanics—offers the reader a clear, practical, and evidence-based perspective on modern orthodontic management. The work includes chapters dedicated to the use of skeletal anchorage in various anatomical regions, the correction of gummy smiles, MARPE, molar mesialization and uprighting, aligner therapy, aesthetic appliances, transverse development, and early intervention strategies. It also explores multidisciplinary aspects such as orthognathic surgery and complementary therapies, including the use of lasers. Featuring contributions from international experts, this text serves as an indispensable reference for orthodontists, educators, and students alike. More than just a technical compendium, it is a guide that conveys Dr. Vergara’s passion for teaching, innovation, and the constant pursuit of the best possible outcomes for her patients. This work marks a milestone in her brilliant professional career.

SECTION I - Contemporary Diagnosis in Orthodontics

1.1 Muscle Palpation: The Greatness of Simplicity - Liliana Camargo Cruz
1.2 Cephalometry - María Duarte | José Cantero | Leticia Galeano
1.3 Respiration - Sandra Valencia Becerra
1.4 Comprehensive Classification of Malocclusions - Patricia Vegara
1.5 Importance of Using an Articulator: From Reference Position to Therapeutic Position - María Duarte | José Cantero | Leticia Galeano

SECTION II - Anatomical and biomechanical foundations of skeletal anchorage

2.1 Basic biomechanics concepts for efficient orthodontists - Elsa Arango Pilonieta
2.2 Statically indeterminate force systems and the power of the rectangular loop - Juan Contreras Arellano
2.3 Segmented mechanics vs. straight-wire: 3D strategies for effective extrusion - Andrés Melo
2.4 Space-closing loop - Anastasija Tyukova
3.1 21st-century orthodontics: a bio-physico-logical proposal - Patricia Vergara
3.2 All about en-masse retraction biomechanics - Patricia Vergara
4 Inter-radicular miniscrews - Patricia Vergara
5.1 Infrazygomatic crest - Patricia Vergara
5.2 Palatal anchorage with mini-implants: anatomy, technique, and applications - Patricia Vergara
5.3 Mandibular shelf - Patricia Vergara
5.4 Mini-implant in the mandibular ramus - Patricia Vergara | Angélica De la Hoz Chois
5.5 Chin symphysis - Elsa Arango | Luis Carlos Gutiérrez de Piñeres
6 Surgical guides for micro-implant placement - Patricia Tarquini
7 Anatomic limits in orthodontic tooth movement - Viviana Tinoco | Jorge Ayala
8 Complications associated with orthodontic mini-implants - Patricia Vergara
9 Management of malocclusions using skeletal anchorage - Patricia Vergara | Angélica De la Hoz Chois
10 Application of mini-implant anchorage in Class II, Division 2 malocclusions - Johnny J. L. Liaw | Wendy WT’ Liao
11 Clinical and biomechanical guidelines for the contemporary management of Brodie bite - Patricia Vergara | Angélica De la Hoz Chois
12 New classification of gummy smile based on aesthetic, clinical, and biomechanical considerations - Patricia Vergara | Angélica De la Hoz Chois
13 Maxillary expansion using the modified Penn protocol - Júlio de Araújo Gurgel | Viviane M. Tinoco
14 Three-dimensional biomechanical management of molars: mesialization, distalization, and intrusion - Patricia Vergara

SECTION III - Complementary techniques and procedures in orthodontic treatment

15 Controlled mandibular repositioning guided by TO GO® temporary overlays in skeletal Class II cases - Alejandra Londoño Mejía | Miguel Assis
16 A new complementary neuromyofunctional therapeutic approach for efficiency and stability in various dentomaxillofacial treatments - Karim Rosero
17 MADS: Maxillary development system for patients with early mixed dentition - Daniela Storino | Augusto Macedo
18 A practical and efficient guide to the early management of malocclusions in mixed dentition - Karen Haydar
19 Overview of MTOS: Mini Tubes Orthodontics System - Joaquín Tiberio Ariza Olaya
20.1 Dental aligners: synergy between technique and occlusal concepts - Vicky Charris
20.2 Skeletal anchorage: an indispensable solution in complex aligner cases - Teresa Pinho
21 Electronic instrumentation in orthodontic diagnosis - Andrea Erica Bono
22 Key movements in craniomandibular orthodontics with aligners - Cindy Dias | Eugenio Marruffo
23 Occlusal adjustment - Carol Weinstein | Taly López
24 Laser applications in orthodontics based on different wavelengths - Ángela Domínguez | Sergio Velásquez
25.1 Orthosurgical management of the impacted canine - Elio Jiménez Batista
25.2 Impacted canines - Rafael Ortiz
26 Minimally invasive orthognathic surgery - Nelson J. León R. | Miguel Hirschhaut
27.1 Diagnosis and orthodontic treatment of mandibular lateral shift: an expert perspective - Roberto Velásquez Torres
27.2 Hemimandibular hyperplasia associated with osteochondroma: a severe variant of condylar hyperplasia. Surgical proposal for Class I sagittal relationship cases - Diego Fernando López B.
28 Cosmetic facial surgery in orthodontic patients - Jorge A. Ochoa Barriga | Jorge E. Ochoa Martínez | María A. Amin Rojas