Presentation of the New Textbook on Orthodontics Malocclusions

Abstract

The book Malocclusions was recently published by Naklada Slap, under the editorial guidance of Professor Dr. Sc. Prim. Stjepan Špalj from the Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Rijeka and Osijek. It represents a comprehensive guide to modern achievements in orthodontics, gathering knowledge and experience from 48 top experts across 13 countries – Norway, the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Croatia. We are proud that, as faculty members of our university, we were the authors of two chapters in this volume, which is currently printed in Croatian, but due to high demand, will likely be printed in English as well.

The book contains 45 chapters, with each author contributing elements of their knowledge, research, and clinical experience, providing readers with a unique perspective on various aspects of orthodontic practice. The chapters have been carefully selected to cover key topics in orthodontics, including biological processes, technological achievements, and clinical approaches.

Although concepts, techniques, and technologies in orthodontics are constantly evolving, the fundamental biological processes remain unchanged. For over a century, the goal of orthodontic treatment has continued to be the same – to achieve an optimal occlusion that satisfies the patient. Malocclusions not only showcases current achievements, but also looks at future directions in orthodontics, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new insights.

Orthodontics has existed for over a century, and while methods and technology evolve, the biological principles of treatment remain constant. Despite the appearance of new techniques, systems, and machines that assist in treatment and therapy for patients with malocclusions, the end result of every therapy, both now and 100 years ago, should be the same – a satisfied patient with good occlusion and aesthetics.

This textbook explores concepts of occlusion and malocclusion, postnatal growth, and craniofacial and dentition development. It guides the reader through principles of patient examination, orthodontic diagnostics, and treatment planning – with detailed chapters on approaches to malocclusions and principles of treatment with removable and fixed appliances and aligners, as well as skeletal anchorage and orthognathic surgery. All of this is supported by images and illustrations of diagnostic documentation, treatment progress, and the methods and appliances used.