The strength of the general and paedodontic practice of dentistry continues to flow from the increasing number of practitioners who never cease educating themselves. The indications are that the family dentist is clearly broadening the scope of his or her practice to include more often interceptive treatment of malocclusions in children. This scope has also enlightened the treating of their adult patients as well.

It is in view of such needs that specific, well-organized programs have been developed. Drs. Bond and Macdonald have personally been involved in the organizing and teaching of such programs since the late seventies. These "two-year programs" have reached a stage of implementation that allows for a concisely organized presentation that will allow the participants to expand their knowledge of orthodontics through the use of what is felt to be the most innovative and successful form of orthodontics: The Straight Wire System. And we now include what we feel are the best Functional Orthopedic Appliances.

The Straight Wire philosophy of orthodontics is centered around the development of the customized bracket. What makes the bracket so unique is that it is pre-formed to fit the contour of the facial anatomy of each tooth. In addition, the correct tip and torque is cast into the bracket to achieve the ideal position of the clinical crown of each tooth. Therefore, strict guidelines must be followed during bracket placement to realize maximum efficiency that has been designed into each bracket. It is from these concepts that the use of the Straight Wire Appliance will allow the operator to have maximum control over the movement of each tooth.

The functional philosophy of orthodontics results in real facial change resulting in beautiful faces and smiles. To attain this goal, early intervention is necessary usually in the mixed dentition. As a result, several important systems have evolved to assist the operator in achieving the finest result from the appliance.

•   Diagnostic System
•   Classification and Treatment System
•   Orthodontic System
•   Bracket/Banding System
•   Wire System
•   Intraoral System

• Orthopedic System
• Extraoral System
• Equilibration and TMJ System
• Retention System
• Auxiliary System

Functional orthodontic-orthopedic appliances can aid tremendously in treating the muscular imbalances and skeletal problems in Class II malocclusions. Plus, these appliances can increase vertical dimension permanently. As an adjunct to banded orthodontics, we have found that our scope of treatment can be more comprehensive.

The program presentation will be a combination of slides; demonstrations; lectures; and clinical procedures performed by the students. Also, depending upon the locale of your specific program, actual clinical work and review on your patients may be available.

Drs. Bond and Macdonald will present an up to date intensive orthodontic lecture series to help general practitioners and paedodontists to not only select the orthodontic cases that are within their skill level but also refer out to the specialist the cases which are not.

The entire teaching program is centered around individualized attention; therefore the groups will be kept to a small number to allow each participant to achieve the maximum competency. The course is also supplemented with manuals, texts and selected handouts. Actual banding/bracketing experience will be gained through lab procedures performed by each member of the group.

Each participant will receive each session's material 30 days before the class so that the student can prepare properly for an excellent productive session. Questions about the Diagnostic System and the fixed portion of the course can be directed to Dr. Macdonald at (800) 265-1307. Questions regarding manuals or dates, please contact us at (877)-20-ORTHO.

We personally feel that those who do decide to participate in such programs have always shown a very definite attitude in their attempts to achieve excellence in treating their patients, whether it be in their general/paedodontic practice or through their involving orthodontics into their practices.