Goal-Directed Orthodontics
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Additional Information

Goal Directed Orthodontics is a comprehensive 700-page book with twenty-four contributors from around the world. Although it is an orthodontic text, the book goes well beyond orthodontics. Due to the nature of the Goal Directed Orthodontic Philosophy (GDOP), the content of this book has much to offer for general dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists and pediatric dentists. Though functional occlusion is a major component of GDOP, it is but one of the clear, measurable treatment goals applicable to all patients in all aspects of dentistry.

An emphasis throughout the book is the importance of a complete diagnosis followed by individualized treatment plans.

Below are listed some of the topics covered in this book that are applicable to all branches of dentistry:

  • In depth description of ideal form and function of the gnathic system with extensive, evidence based, support from the literature
  • Optimal records needed for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning, why and how?
  • Significance of occlusal discrepancies in TMJ health and dysfunction
  • The important role of the temporomandibular joint in everyday dentistry
  • Rationale, design, construction and clinical use of occlusal splints
  • When are bicuspid extractions indicated in orthodontics? Why are extractions necessary in order to achieve excellent esthetics and function in correctly diagnosed cases?
  • Comprehensive interdisciplinary diagnosis and treatment
  • Diagnosis and treatment for optimal facial and dental esthetics with emphasis on orthognathic surgical planning
  • Distraction osteogenesis and its unique application to dentofacial surgery
  • Periodontics - the interrelationship between periodontics, orthodontics, and functional occlusion; e.g., the role of maxillary expansion in the prevention of periodontal problems
  • Extensive discussion of early orthodontic treatment including new concepts regarding the crucial role of joint health in facial growth
  • Indications and technique for locating the true hinge axis and axiopath tracing
  • Occlusal equilibration (positive and negative conronoplasty)
  • The relationship between condylar position and signs and symptoms of TMD
  • Evidence and examples of the relationship between excellent functional occlusion and long term health and stability of the gnathic system
  • The role of sleep disturbed breathing and obstructive sleep apnea in dentistry

Below are listed some of the topics covered in this book that are more specific to orthodontics:

  • Numerous case reports demonstrating GDOP techniques, mechanics and application in orthodontic practice
  • Treatment mechanics in GDOP
  • Importance of mounted study casts in orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and post treatment evaluation
  • The importance of the VTO (Visual Treatment Objective) in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning
  • How to make and use the VTO (Visual Treatment Objective) in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning
  • The positive effect of GDOP on practice efficiency and profitability
  • GDOP treatment in the mixed dentition
  • Joint imaging as an important diagnostic tool
  • The importance of measuring condylar position and condylar distraction in orthodontics
  • The crucial role of joint health in facial growth and orthodontic treatment planning
  • Diagnosis and planning for orthognathic surgery and distraction osteogenesis
  • When to and when not to extract in orthodontics
  • Orthodontic treatment designed to achieve a seated condylar position

A major goal is to help orthodontics become a health care specialty, not merely cosmetology.