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Editor’s ChoiceDavid L. Turpin, DDS, MSD, Editor-in-Chief

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New diagnostic tools in orthodonticsArthur J. Miller, Koutaro Maki, and David C. Hatcher

This descriptive commentary introduces 3 artithat report on new tools that are coming onlineorthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Ttools will help orthodontists better understand theof muscle function in human growth and developmAs noted by Miller, “Normal muscle function is needto maintain a normal face.”

In the first article, Adams et al compare traditio2-dimensional cephalometry with newer 3-dimensiocomputerized orthodontic therapy. The dental prosion is on the threshold of applying cone-beam cputerized tomography analysis that complements oimaging approaches, which have been too expensitoo high in radiation exposure for routine applicatIn the second article, Nakano et al report on the usmicrocomputed tomography to learn more aboutdylar changes in an asymmetrical, growing mandusing an animal model. In the third article, Usui eexplore what the field of advanced human roboticsto offer orthodontic treatment. This article emphasthe effect of muscle tension on the mandible, evaluamany sites both buccally and lingually during simulachewing.

Take time to study the intriguing methodsmechanical engineering that are described in tarticles. I agree with the summarizing statemenMiller et al: “We are on the threshold of a major chain orthodontics, as clinicians learn how to effectivuse 3-dimensional imaging as a normal diagnomethod.”

Delayed tooth eruption: pathogenesdiagnosis, and treatment. A literaturreviewLokesh Suri, Eleni Gagari, and Heleni Vastardis

You have delayed starting treatment for as lonpossible in a 14-year-old girl, but several perma

Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2004;126:12A0889-5406/$30.00Copyright © 2004 by the American Association of Orthodontists.doi:10.1016/j.ajodo.2004.08.008

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teeth on the left side have still not erupted. Is delatooth eruption (DTE) a significant problem for tclinician or is this scenario unlikely to happen ofteAccording to the authors of this comprehensive revtrue and significant deviations from accepted normeruption time are often observed in clinical practand DTE is the most commonly encountered devia

Unfortunately, accurate diagnosis of DTE isimportant but complicated process. Many disordersreportedly associated with DTE. Family informatand information from affected patients about unuvariations should be investigated. Right-left variatiin eruption timings are minimal in most patients,significant deviations might be associated with tumor hemifacial microsomia or macrosomia and shoalert the clinician to perform further investigation. Tarticle concludes by proposing a “diagnostic tree”will enable the clinician to perform an accuratethorough orthodontic diagnosis of the patient with DT

ABO Case Report—Category 1:Interceptive or early treatmentLisa King

If you are ready to complete the requirements oABO Phase III examination, you will want to lookhow this case report has been prepared. This cabeing published almost exactly as it was presentethe board by Dr Lisa King. Note the use of the boacomputerized forms, making it relatively easy to coplete the text portion of the history/etiology, diagnotreatment plan, specific treatment objectives, aances used, treatment progress, results achieved,tion, and the final posttreatment evaluation. Thepage shows how Dr King applied the ABO mograding system to the final casts and the panorradiograph for a total score of 14. (That is an exceoutcome score, by the way.) The 3 complete serecords and the detailed superimposed tracingtracted the board’s attention as a standard for othefollow in future presentations. The transposition ofmaxillary right canine and the first premolar createclinical challenge for Dr King, who was eventuaforced to make a difficult treatment decision. Toutcome of the overall treatment plan speaks for itCongratulations, Dr King.