REVIEWS AND ABSTRACTS
Book reviews
Alex Jacobson, Associate Editor
Birmingham, Ala
Biomechanics in orthodontics
By Birte Melsen and Giorgio Fiorelli, $966 (upgrades, $686; students,
$490), 629 pages, 4000 color photos; www.libra-ortho.com
Reviewed by Larry White
Fourteen years ago, Birte Melsen and Giorgio Fiorelli
excited the profession with their CD-ROM regarding biome-
chanics. They have now issued their third iteration, and it
incorporates all the information that characterizes the existent
knowledge and clinical skills in orthodontics. They have in-
cluded all the new data and discoveries about the biologic pro-
cesses that determine how teeth move. This book has 21
chapters dealing with determinate and indeterminate systems,
alignment loops, segmented arches, asymmetries, occluso-
grams, treatment planning, force systems, space closure, met-
allurgy, and more, plus new chapters about implants and self-
ligating brackets. They will add 2 chapters within the next few
months about the bioprogressive technique and bracketless
fixed appliances. Readers can download free demonstrations
of the book by going to http://www.libra-ortho.com. Sub-
scribers can activate the third edition through the Internet
and also upgrade future additions via the Internet.
The principles of biomechanics have not changed; how-
ever, computer technology has advanced greatly in the past
14 years, and graphic display standards have allowed vast en-
hancements to the visual and auditory presentations. Two
hundred fifty animations or videos and Flash interactive
animations of the more than 200 topics give viewers unprec-
edented clarity and understanding of complicated topics. This
CD book is the most original and innovative collection of or-
thodontic theories, therapies, and instructions ever assembled
in 1 source. No simple print narrative could ever hope to
match what this multimedia publication accomplishes. It
combines text, hypertext links, images, animations, and au-
dios with records of more than 100 clinical patients who
illustrate the mechanics and treatment plans used by the
authors.
The authors enlarged the bibliographic section to include
more than 500 references plus links to articles on the Internet.
The 118 excellent patient therapies shown remain intact and
illustrate how the application of sound biomechanical princi-
ples can result in predictable and efficient treatments. The
authors plan to add patient treatments completed in the 21st
century via Internet upgrades. A new Internet server allows
continuous updating of the software that gives users round-
the-clock virus protection. Purchasers also receive 2 years of
free upgrades so that they can add new content and improve-
ments without additional charges.
With the recent emphasis on nonextraction expansion
therapies, orthodontists have seemingly reduced their interest
716
in diagnosis and treatment planning; however, Drs Melsen and
Fiorelli have developed exceptionally clear explanations about
these important subjects that reviewers are unlikely to find
elsewhere. There is no better explanation of biomechanics in
the world today, and those who want to know the state-of-
the-art need go no further than their computer’s Internet con-
nection. Orthodontic departments the world over would cer-
tainly do residents and their future patients a huge favor by
providing them this astonishing source of first-rate orthodontic
knowledge.
Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2010;137:716
0889-5406/$36.00
Copyright Ó 2010 by the American Association of Orthodontists.
doi:10.1016/j.ajodo.2010.03.005
Common sense mechanics in everyday
orthodontics II
By Tom Mulligan, $189, 342 pages; www.CommonSenseMechanics.com
Reviewed by Larry White
Tom Mulligan has possibly done more than any living
author to popularize and simplify the bewildering topic of
biomechanics. The second edition of this book will clarify
the subject even more, with its amplified illustrations, explana-
tions, and color photographs.
Dr Mulligan had a great advantage before publishing this
second edition. He has lectured extensively throughout the
world and received feedback regarding biomechanical con-
cepts that continue to confuse readers even as he sought to
improve their understanding. He used the questions from those
orthodontists to expand and illuminate his narrative.
The second edition has 25 chapters, 2 more than the first
edition. Each chapter has a main theme, which is followed
with a brief summary called the short story. Bibliographies
accompanying the chapters are sparse but relevant, and they
will not overwhelm or intimidate readers. He devoted chapters
to understanding forces and moments, static equilibrium, and
wire-bracket angles; controlling molars in 3 dimensions;
applying step, center, and off-center bends; using overlays,
differential moments, diastemas, and extraction therapies;
and treating open bites.
Nothing disturbs orthodontists more than unexpected con-
sequences during treatment, and Dr Mulligan teaches how to
anticipate the effect of any wire used in treatment and how
to avoid undesirable results. The movement of teeth does
not rely on capricious events, which orthodontists simply
observe and try to manage; rather, teeth move in predictable
American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Volume 137, Number 5
ways, depending upon how and where orthodontists apply the
various forces. He explained the principles underlying those
movements clearly and precisely.
Dr Mulligan has distilled the understanding and application
of orthodontic biomechanical principles in an uncommon
manner that everyone can comprehend and, more importantly,
apply. He did not waste narrative talking about various
brackets or philosophies of orthodontics that the specialty
will inevitably replace someday. He explained nothing less
than the immutable laws that govern the responses of teeth
and bones to orthodontists’ therapies.
Reviews and abstracts 717
I have said before that, if orthodontists were allowed only
1 book in their professional library, they should choose
Common sense mechanics because it embraces the most
fundamental concepts and universal principles of orthodon-
tics. This second edition magnifies and refines those standards
even more.
Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2010;137:716-7
0889-5406/$36.00
Copyright Ó 2010 by the American Association of Orthodontists.
doi:10.1016/j.ajodo.2010.03.006