Orthotown January/February 2020 - 10

one of them. Archwire forms and shapes that you were convinced
were going to change your results for the better, reduce treatment
time or make it easier chairside for you and or your staff, that now
don't coordinate properly with your current system.
What about noncompliance devices and other appliances such
as Class II corrector intro kits that of course have one size that you
usually need and many others that collect dust over the years only
to be retired with the lip bumpers and the like.
As the editorial director of a highly respected magazine that is
supported by advertisers of these products, I am not for a moment
suggesting you not try new things, change your technique or never
change. What I am suggesting is that your practice, and life in
general, follow some path that only you can chart, and stick to it.
Deciding on your path, treatment philosophy and method is up
to you. It's a combination of your training, experience, personal
beliefs and, to a large degree, your personality.
I have seen far too many orthodontists and others latch on to
a recommended treatment philosophy or management style that
doesn't fit them. Things usually end badly. Worse yet, many times
we are encouraged by patients or others to do things out of our
comfort, training or experience zone. For instance, you may want
to emphasize adult treatment. Many orthodontists are taking special
courses to emphasize facial aesthetics, including adding services such
as injectables and learning a new process of arranging teeth. After
years of ignorance, I have decided to utilize TADs in my practice.
(I've decided they are not going away!)

My advice to you
If there is one thing that you should
do going into the new year, I suggest
you start saving copies of Orthotown.
As the magazine's editorial director
for the last five years, I've written
approximately 50 columns. I see how
valuable this free resource is for young
and seasoned practitioners.
Our content is organized into
three distinct areas (marketing, management and mechanics). If you think
carefully, everything that happens in
an orthodontic practice involves these
elements of practice. You get the patients
(marketing), you work on the patients
(mechanics) and you count the money
(management). And, if you simplify
your workflow into this system, or
adopt one of your own, I trust you
will streamline your life and practice.

10

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 // orthotown.com

Some of the finest contributors and leaders in the field have
shared valuable information with you this past year and I am
personally grateful for their continued contribution! Speaking of
treatment, do you have a streamlined way to diagnose and explain
things to your staff and patients? I have basically organized my
practice around my Treatment by Twelves system.
Treatment by Twelves involves:
* Managing the first 12 permanent teeth erupting into the
mouth, which may involve interceptive and/or Phase 1
comprehensive treatment.
* The next 12 permanent teeth then begin to erupt. During
this period many practitioners elect to initiate care in one
comprehensive approach.
* Lastly, after the 12-year molars erupt, Phase 2 treatment
begins, or comprehensive or limited care may begin and end.
It's that simple!
I encourage all of you to share your treatment protocols, photos
and summaries of your favorite patient cases on Orthotown's message
boards. Your experiences, successes and struggles will help your peers
improve their own clinical practice, which is a major component
of our online community. Happy sharing! n
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Orthotown January/February 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Orthotown January/February 2020
