Diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontics.

Orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning topics have become predictable in that reports seem to be reactive to societal dilemmas rather than addressing fundamental questions of our science. Issues and reports abound on temporomandibular disorders and their relationship to orthodontics. Investigations of airway function and other topics have tended to compound misunderstandings rather than eliminate them. Furthermore, new technologies heralded as having great promise may eventually fall to the side as mere gimmickry. Well-controlled prospective studies are needed to address many fundamental issues underlying orthodontic treatment. The progress and results from these works will take time to bear fruit.