This review article describes the changing approach to the management of various impacted teeth. Currently, more third molars are being retained, and it is likely that more patients will develop impactions than a generation ago because of non-extraction orthodontic treatment plans. There are still valid reasons for the surgical removal of selected third molars during the teenage years, during which time impaction can be anticipated to avoid the higher rate of morbidity associated with later removal. Palatally-impacted canines (PIC] can now often be managed with interceptive and non-surgical approaches, which are attractive options. The various approaches addressed in the literature are discussed.

Tooth agenesis is the most common developmental dental anomaly and it is frequently associated with other dento-skeletal disturbances, such as structural variations of other teeth, late dental eruption, transpositions and crowding. Except for the third molars, the mandibular second premolars are the most commonly missing teeth. Oral rehabilitation of patients with missing mandibular premolars often requires a multi-disciplinary approach, and usually results in prolonged treatment time and a greater burden of care. An understanding of the aetiology and clinical features of hypodlontia is essential for the planning phase and the outcome of treatment. The purpose of the present review is, therefore, to discuss the aetiology of hypodlontia as well as to evaluate the clinical options available for the treatment of missing mandibular second premolars. An insight into future research directions and their clinical applications will also be discussed.

This article reviews three-dimensional (1D) surface scanning contrasted with 3D imaging. Precise techniques are now available for capture of the face and craniofacial structures as well as improved introoral scanning for the production of virtual 3D casts of the dentition. Facial and intraoral scanners have established an accuracy that makes them viable for use in the clinical and research arenas. Three-dimensional imaging is a field of rapid change and currently-available scanners will doubtlessly be surpassed in the near future. Although there is much overlap between the capabilities of different proprietary systems, there are subtle, yet significant, differences between manufacturers. The differences have the potential to make a purchased scanner not fulfil expectations as much for reasons of software compatibility and integration, as for clinical usability and accuracy.

A number of arguments surround orthodontics and orthodontic treatment and this article aims to discuss the current thinking and evidence base associated with these controversies.

Orthodontics continues to be a profession anchored in traditional technology using appliances that cause inflammatory periodontal ligament (PDL) responses. Existing concepts of biological tooth movement based largely on histological tissue observations and the application of physical principles require major reassessment. In the next millennium, the genome revolution and knowledge of protein production and control could lead to the genetic correction of dentofacial anomalies and pain-free, biomolecular methods of malocclusion correction and long-term stability. A fundamental change is likely to be the abolition of bracket systems and their replacement with preprogrammed microchips driven by computers, and the control of PD[ blood vessels and cells by pharmacological targeting. Future survival of the profession will depend on a radically different specialist who will be educated with a postgraduate curriculum based on molecular biology and computer engineering.

The intrusion of the maxillary first molar is indicated when occlusal clearance is needed for prosthetic rehabilitation. Maxillary molar intrusion may be undertaken using skeletal anchorage systems to avoid complicated mechanics delivered by conventional intra-oral fixed appliances. In the present case report, the efficient use of orthodontic miniscrew anchorage by applying simple mechanics for true maxillary first molar intrusion is described. This was followed by the rehabilitation of the mandibular first molar spaces with implant prostheses. A 16-year-old female patient had masticatory difficulty due to the bilateral overeruption of the maxillary first molars and carious mandibular first molars. True intrusion of each maxillary first molar was achieved using zygomatic and palatal paramedian miniscrews placed in line with the central axis of the teeth. Simultaneously, alignment of the upper arch was achieved via fixed appliance therapy. Using two orthodontic miniscrews to intrude each maxillary molar, orthodontic treatment was simplified by eliminating the need for miniplate placement by extensive surgery and the creation of intra-oral multiunit anchorage. Masticatory efficiency was improved by increasing the occlusal table with prosthetic rehabilitation of the mandibular first molar spaces with dental implant prostheses.