This is a revised and expanded version of Bennet and McLaughlin's Orthodontic Treatment Mechanics and the Pre-adjusted Appliance (1993). The new book is beautifully produced with many additional cases documented in great detail to demonstrate various treatment modes. In addition, the organization of the book was substantially changed. For example, in the previous book a full chapter was devoted to Transition from Standard Edgewise to Pre-adjusted Appliance Systems. This chapter was appropriately deleted from the current book, given that the issue of transition from standard appliance is a moot one - the straight-wire, pre-adjusted appliance is by far the dominant one in the contemporary office.

The underlying structure of the book is unique - the chapters are organized by tooth type: incisors, cuspids, etc., each dealing with cases where the main treatment issues relate to these particular teeth. Each chapter is also accompanied by Case Reports - extensively documented full treatment cases, and Treatment Sequences - demonstrating specific treatment or technique details. The chapters also include significant amount of background information, which may be considered by some more theoretical, but which makes the book a well rounded one.

The book is based of course on cases treated using brackets of the author's own design, which some pre-adjusted appliance veterans may find unusual on a couple of details. In addition, the current version of these brackets is one generation ahead of those demonstrated in the book. Nevertheless, the biomechanical principles and the techniques demonstrated here can be easily implemented with any mainstream pre-adjusted appliance.

The authors' treatment mechanics is the strongest part of the book. Numerous examples are given of various treatment types and phases. The overall approach is an amalgamation of various techniques, including a strong Tweed influence (e.g., J-hook headgear use), mixed with run-of-the-mill straight wire sliding mechanics, and some Burstone/Mulligan segmented-mechanics influence can also be detected once in a while. The end result is a very sound biomechanical approach. Some of the details are a bit unusual, e.g.: a space closing appliance based on a single o-ring tied with a metal ligature wire. The elastic traits of this combination are not likely to favorably compare with some more common space closing devices, e.g., nickel titanium coil springs, both in terms of the range of acceptable activation of the device and in terms of maintenance of elastic properties over time. Nonetheless, this technique is effective and predictable.

The Bennet/McLaughlin book provides a sound basic review of the contemporary practice of orthodontics, and a systematic review of treatment methods for most common cases. It would be an important resource for both the orthodontic resident and the practicing orthodontist. We in the orthodontic community are fortunate to have those, like these authors, fully committed to quality orhtodontic care and to teaching of the next generation of orthodontic professionals.

The text is available through 3M Unitek.