Among the many tools in the orthodontist’s biomechanical arsenal, loop mechanics stand out as both art and science. While sliding mechanics dominate many modern systems, loop mechanics offer a precise, customizable alternative that enables exceptional control over force direction, magnitude,…
Introduction: Gnawing Through Time If you’ve ever owned a hamster or watched a squirrel dismantle a walnut, you’ve seen a marvel of evolutionary design in action. Rodents are incessant chewers—but not because they’re restless. Their teeth are always growing, and…
In the modern era of orthodontics, mini-screw anchorage—also known as temporary anchorage devices (TADs)—has revolutionized how we control tooth movement. These tiny titanium anchors provide stationary points within the bone, eliminating the need for traditional dental or extraoral anchorage. When…
Why humans lost regenerative teeth, and what we can learn from animals that didn’t Introduction: The Envy of Sharks As a practicing dentist, I often encounter a recurring daydream—not the clichéd one of falling into an abyss shaped like a…
This post introduces a simple, economical, and surprisingly effective protocol for preparing TSS competent cells—chemically competent E. coli prepared using the TSS (Transformation and Storage Solution) method. Originally described by Chung et al. (1989), the TSS competent cell preparation method…
In orthodontic treatment, few principles are as foundational—and as often overlooked—as anchorage. Without sufficient anchorage, retraction forces may move the wrong teeth, disrupt occlusion, or lead to mid-treatment failure. Simply put, anchorage systems determine whether your space closure plan will…
In fixed appliance orthodontics, even the most meticulously planned treatment can go off track if mechanical side effects aren’t properly managed. One of the most notorious and subtle complications during space closure is the bowing effect. This biomechanical phenomenon can…
🧬 Evolution Behind Your Smile – Part 2 of 20 What Does the Red Queen Have to Do with Your Mouth? There’s a curious principle in evolutionary biology that explains why bacteria in your mouth never seem to go away—no…
This post is the beginning of a twenty-part series titled “Evolution Behind Your Smile.” Across these essays, I explore how our teeth, jaws, and oral biology tell the deeper story of human evolution—one fossil, one molar at a time. As…
When retraction fails in orthodontic treatment, the reason is rarely due to a single issue. More often, it’s a result of multiple mechanical, biological, or technical problems interacting in subtle ways. For clinicians and students alike, understanding why retraction fails…
