Anecdotal Incidence
The size, shape and function of the human craniofacial complex is not anecdotal. The word "anecdote" implies an incidental happening. There is nothing incidental about millimeters.
Orthodontic literature belittles the value of anecdotal information-considers it of little value. When we observe the sun coming up in the morning, this may be considered anecdotal; but it is the most fundamental principle in the universe. When we see an apple fall from a tree, this may be considered anecdotal, but proves the law of gravity.
When an anatomical part of the craniofacial complex moves a given number of mm, accompanied by a given number of mm of tooth movement, there may be an underlying principle of cause and effect. To report such a relationship may be considered an anecdote, but there may be a principle involved as basic as the law of gravity.
To belittle these basic principles and rely on man's knowledge of science may be a basic error. In an orthodontic study, to quote numerous references, most of which may be in error or have weak tenets, and regard the end result as facts, may be pure folly.
My point in all of these discussions is that we are making such slow progress, using the logic that we have been using, maybe we should change our tactics. When an inordinate number of references are quoted, when we have shown major amounts of computer graphs, when we have displayed many tables, when we have used up precious pages of journals, when we have spent thousands of dollars of research funds, and wind up with only vague generalities and a convoluted mass of words, what have we accomplished?
If we would take a few basic measurements, thoroughly learn their relationship to each other, their effect on each other and their effect on the growth and treatment of malocclusion, really believe these concepts and strictly base our treatment on them, we would solve most of our treatment problems.
Frequently articles appear in the literature which express incorrect concepts, and regrettably are never challenged. How will we ever arrive at the truth if we never discuss(argue) these concepts. To allow these errors to slip by without being noticed or challenged does not speak well for the progress of our profession.
The schools have had 70 years of cephalometrics and the clinical orthodontist has had 50 years. There have been hundreds of meetings to discuss overbite correction. There have been millions of words published on treatment and there have been many opinions on the treatment of malocclusion.
Yet, we are widely divided on the simple concept of what happens to lower incisors which have been intruded in treatment, and what happens to molars which have been extruded in treatment. This is a stern indictment of the entire profession. For many years we have been admonishing colleagues in growing patients that intruded lower incisors usually move upward and close the bite, in the post treatment period; and that extruded molars remain at this level permanently or grow more. All we have to do to determine these facts is, just measure. When we do, the anecdotal reports often become principles. Please see Article 24 in the Schudy Chronicles.
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