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Latest Book Review
AJO-DO
Volume 137, Number 5, May 2010
Book Reviews
Alex Jacobson, Associate Editor
Birmingham, Ala
Common Sense Mechanics in Everyday Orthodontics II, by
Tom Mulligan, $189, 342 pages:
Reviewed by Larry White
"Tom Mulligan has possibly done more than
any living author to popularize and simplify the bewildering topic
of biomechanics. The second edition of this book will clarify
the subject even more, with its simplified illustrations, esplanations and color photographs.
Dr. Mulligan had a great advantage before
publishing this second edition. He has lectured extensively
throughout the world and received feedback regarding biomechanical
concepts that continue to confuse readers even as he sought to
improve their understanding. He used the questions from these
orthodontists to expand and illuminate his narrative.
The second edition has 25 chapters, 2 more
than the first edition. Each chapter has a main theme, which
is followed with a brief summary called the short story.
Bibliographies accompanying the chapters are sparse but relevant,
and they will not overwhelm or intimidate readers. He devoted
chapters to understanding forces and moments, static equilibrium and
wire-bracket angles; controlling molars in 3 dimensions; applying
step, center, and off-center bends; using overlays, differential
moments, diastemas, and extraction therapies; and treating open
bites.
Nothing disturbs orthodontists more than
unexpected consequences during treatment, and Dr. Mulligan teaches
how to anticipate the effect of any wire used in treatment and how
to avoid undesirable results. The movement of teeth does not
rely on capricious events, which orthodontists simply observe and
try to manage; rather, teeth move in predictable ways, depending
upon how and where orthodontists apply the various forces. He
explained the principles underlying those movements clearly and
precisely.
Dr. Mulligan has distilled the
understanding and application of orthodontic biomechanical
principles in an uncommon manner that everyone can comprehend and,
more importantly, apply. He did not waste narrative talking
about various brackets or philosophies of orthodontics that the
specialty will inevitably replace someday. He explained
nothing less than the immutable laws that govern the responses of
teeth and bones to orthodontists’ therapies.
I have said before that, if orthodontists
were allowed only 1 book in their professional library, they should
choose Common Sense Mechanics because it embraces the most
fundamental concepts and universal principles of orthodontics.
This second edition magnifies and refines those standards even more."
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