We think that orthodontics is one of the most interesting and challenging of the dental specialties. Although we might be biased in this assumption, there are some persuasive reasons for believing that it is true. The treatment of malocclusion represents a combination of science and artistic flair, and is often, although not exclusively, carried out on a young and vibrant population. The results of orthodontic treatment and the positive impact that it can have on the patient can also be intensely rewarding for the clinician. Moreover, developments in diagnostic tools, appliance systems and orthodontic materials continue at some considerable pace within the profession, which provides considerable stimulus to the contemporary clinician. We have written this textbook primarily to be used as a tool for dental professionals who wish to broaden their experience and understanding of clinical orthodontics. The intention has been to show a wide variety of individual cases and clinical scenarios that illustrate many of the problems commonly seen during development of the craniofacial region, with emphasis on the jaws, dentition and occlusion. All of these cases have been treated or directly supervised by the authors, primarily in secondary care, following referral from general practitioners and specialists. We have attempted to illustrate a wide variety of problems that present in the orthodontic clinic, both common and rare, and demonstrate different approaches to their management. Relevant discussion around the etiology, diagnosis and planning of these cases is included in each presentation. We hope that this book will be of particular benefit to postgraduate orthodontic students preparing for their MSc, MClinDent, DDS and Membership examinations in orthodontics. Indeed, a number of the cases included have been successfully used in recent sittings of these examinations. However, the clinical focus underlying this text should mean that it will also be of benefit to other dental professionals involved in management of the developing occlusion, including therapists and undergraduate dental students – who indeed, represent the orthodontists of the future. It was not our intention to write a definitive textbook on orthodontics, but rather to illustrate contemporary practice using clinical cases and individual examples. Therefore, the introduction to each chapter gives a general overview of the subject area, which is then followed by a series of cases with appropriate questions and answers. We have included the answers to these questions within the cases to avoid the need for constant reference to other parts of the book. Hopefully, this will make it relatively straightforward for the reader to follow the treatment strategies that have been used. In some of the clinical scenarios, more emphasis has been given to clinical examination and diagnosis; whilst in others, questions focus on the treatment that has been carried out. Indeed, many of these cases have been chosen to illustrate specific aspects of etiology, diagnosis, treatment planning or use of mechanics in the management of malocclusion. This problem-based approach of discussing aspects of malocclusion should allow practising clinicians to develop their skills in the management and care of orthodontic patients, from initial assessment, through to the completion of treatment. However, whilst we strive to achieve clinical excellence for the cases that we treat, we did want to illustrate those that had been treated ‘in the real world’ and therefore have not excluded examples where difficulties have been experienced.

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