We present an interesting case of a patient with linear scleroderma of the ‘en coup de sabre’ type who was treated with an upper fixed appliance to align a maxillary canine. It started out as a routine straightforward case of aligning an impacted canine using a conventional technique but developed into a serious orthodontic dilemma. Clinical Relevance: The atypical response to treatment suggests a possible link between the connective tissue disorder and the orthodontic complications this case developed.

Synchronous Straight-Wire (SSW) is the trademark of the authors Charles Cole and Jon Hammond. In part one the SSW technique was introduced, the reasons for its development were explained and the theory outlined. The aim of this second paper is to demonstrate the SSW technique. A case is presented to demonstrate the technique, all aspects of the malocclusion being addressed concurrently. The case is then treated in 11 visits, reducing the PAR score from 38 to 0, giving a Treatment Efficiency Index (TEI) of 3.45. The conclusions that can be drawn are that the technique offers a more efficient means of undertaking fixed appliance treatments and highlights the advantages of pre-programming the entire appliance and using a coherent mechanism to facilitate 3-dimensional movements. Clinical Relevance: This paper demonstrates a means of organizing simultaneous treatment events by synchronizing, rather than sequencing, tooth movement, thereby giving greater efficiency than other techniques. It requires a radically different approach to treatment mechanics and a fundamental shift in thinking.

This case illustrates the benefits of CBCT over plain radiography in accurately localizing an unerupted transmigratory permanent mandibular canine and determining if it was aetiologically responsible for resorption of the permanent mandibular incisors. Clinical Relevance: The use of CBCT can determine if root resorption is caused by unerupted teeth.

The previous part of this article discussed why to take clinical photographs and the benefit of high quality pictures to the clinicians as well as the patients. The second part of the article will describe contemporary photographic equipment and the many essential accessory products, as well as how best to store the images. In addition ‘Top Tips' will be proposed to allow the best possible results to be reliably achieved.

This case report demonstrates the five-year progression of generalized idiopathic root resorption, found incidentally in an adolescent male presenting for orthodontic treatment. Management of the case is described and the potential sequelae of the condition are discussed.

Since the introduction of mini-implants to manage anchorage in the last decade, many orthodontists have taken to these devices and incorporated them in their routine clinical practice. However, others are still sceptical to the idea and are awaiting further sound evidence before they make this choice. We have been using these devices since 2005. Mini-implants have enabled us to treat complex anchorage demanding cases which would have been difficult to manage successfully without a flexible source of temporary anchorage support. This audit project describes our experience using mini-implants, the lack of a ‘learning curve’ and the high level of success achieved.

Al-Abdwani R, Moles DR, Noar JH. Angle Orthodontist 2009; 79: 462–467.

Relapse is one of the commonest risk factors in orthodontics. Post-treatment changes following orthodontics could be due to periodontal or occlusal factors, but they can also be due to soft tissue changes and growth. Soft tissue changes and growth are beyond an orthodontist's control, and this explains the unpredictable nature of orthodontic relapse. Patients need to be informed of the unpredictable nature of relapse before they begin treatment, and the possible need for long-term retention to help reduce the amount of relapse.