Best of two worlds: bridging the gap between traditional and new age orthodontics

Abstract: Faced with the current tidal wave of clear aligners and TADs in order to meet
patients’ aesthetic demands and to push existing biological limits, the experienced clinician
may wonder if well-established protocols and ‘old-school’ procedures based on sound
scientific evidence are still relevant or will soon be substituted by heavily marketed claims
delivered by the key-opinion leaders (KOL) of orthodontic companies.
After 40 years of practicing ‘Real World Clinical Orthodontics’ coupled with critical self- and
peer-assessment, while keeping an open mind for progress, it appears that despite the
implementation of digital technology and AI, proven biomechanical principles and treatment
concepts cannot be thrown overboard and that conventional fixed appliances and
orthognathic surgery will always have their place in the orthodontic armamentarium for
goal-oriented treatment planning and execution.