Science versus empiricism

Abstract

Few debates within dentistry have aroused such strong feelings as the issue of orthodontic growth guidance. Most orthodontists consider that appliances have little influence beyond the teeth and alveolus. If there is not room, it is argued, extractions are inevitable. Despite this a sizable minority, mostly of general dentists, believe that it is possible to influence skeletal form significantly. Why is there such lack of consensus? © British Dental Journal 2005.