DEPARTMENT OF REVIEWS AND ABSTRACTS

Edited by Alex Jacobson, DMD, MS, MDS, PhD Birmingham. Ala.

All inquiries regarding infortnation on reviews and abstracts should be directed to the respective authors. Articles or books for review in this department should be addressed to Dr. Alex Jacobson, University of Alabama School of Dentistry, University Station/ Birmhzgham, AL 35294.

Orthopddie Dento-faciale. Principles et technique de A.D. Mollin et Analyse architecturale, structurale et dentaire de J. Delaire Jean-Michel Salagnac and Pierre Verdon Paris: Masson, 1991, (in French) 387 illustrations, 176 pages

The "universal light arch technique" of Molin was introduced in France circa 1973 by Jean Delaire. This book presents the experience accumulated using this technique. The technique may be used effectively in both mixed and permanent dentitions and especially in the treatment of Class I and Class II, Division 1 and Division 2 type malocclusions with minimal skeletal jaw discrepancy.

The book is divided in five parts. The first part deals with craniofacial growth and the position of the dental arches within the craniofacial complex. According to the authors, a dentoalveolar system in balance with the l'est of the craniofacial complex is a prerequisite for normal functionto occur. Their method therefore at- tempts to place the teeth in equilibrium with the osseous structures.

The second part of the book deals with the etio- pathogenesis of dentoalveolar anomalies. Although no documentation is provided, interesting thoughts are pre- sented in an area that is little understood. The issue of extraction treatment is covered in the third part of the book. The authors contend that premolar extractions are indicated in only a limited number of cases, pref- erence being given to second premolar extractions rather than first premolars. Likewise, extractions of third molars are preferable to removal of second molars. An essentially nonextraction approach to treatment is advocated.

The description of appliance as well as the "modus operandi" are presented in the fourth chapter of the book. The appliance comprises labial and lingual rec- tangular arches, attached to first molar and first pre- molar bands. Before treatment a coordination chart for the labial and lingual arches is fabricated. This allows excellent control of the transverse dimension,,Extraoral forces as well as intramaxillary and intermaxillary elas- tic forces are used in conjunction with the appliance.

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The fifth chapter comprises an abundance of case pre- sentations. Overall, the appliance lacks the sophisti- cation and versatility of multiband/bond appliances used in this country. Since brackets are not routinely attached to anterior teeth, adequate torque and/or ro- tational control is difficult to achieye. However, it may be an appropriate choice if cost reduction is an essential prerequisite in the delivery of care.

The case analysis and treatment philosophy pre- sented in the book is thought stimulating and is uni- formly presented in a "flowing" manner.

Christos Vlachos

Functional Orthodontic Appliances K. G. Isaacson, R. T. Reed, and C. D. Stephens Oxford, England: Blackm'ell Scientific Publications, 131 pages

This volume provides an interesting European per- spective onthe use of the functional appliances. The authors present an overview of appliance use, relating the mode of action of the appliance growth modifica- tion. The use of the cephalometrics is also discussed in analyzing treatment effects, as is case selection.

The primary emphasis of this book is on the clinical use of activators (primarily Andresen and Harvold types) and bionators, with additional discussion of the function regulator of the Fr~inkel and the twin block appliance. Other appliances such as the Herbst appli- ance, the lip bumper, and the Bimler appliance are discussed briefly. The design and construction of var- ious functional appliances are described, although this reviewer has reservations about the technical descrip- tion of the Fr~inkel appliance.

Another interesting aspect of this book is the 12- page summary of published papers that is found at the end of this volume, a review that would be of great interest to the practicing clinician.

This introductory volume provides an interesting perspective onthe use of functional appliances, which will be of more use to those persons not familiar with functional appliance therapy than to clinicians who have had much experience with these various techniques.

James A. McNamara