Foreword: Qualified Dentofacial Orthodontic Specialist

Abstract

This issue is themed “eclecticism” because it is aimed at discussing wide-ranging topics os that the diverse wishes of the readers are satisfied. Clinicians can ensure effective and reproducible clinical practice by constantly keeping themselves up-to-date on fundamental and clinical research. It requires interdisciplinary collaboration, which is now integrated into treatment processes. The authors attest to this in these pages. Marc Bert shares knowledge on the peri-implant gingiva through the study of its anatomy, physiology, and development. After a concise and precise review of the biology of the periodontium and histology of the gingival–implant sulcus, he demonstrates its resemblance to the epithelial–mucosal attachment of the tooth. He describes the maintenance of the quality of the tissues surrounding the implant and even its improvement over time, with the possibility of strengthening the keratinized gingiva or its creation, provided oral hygiene is satisfactory. This is not the case for implants that are used to stabilize removable prostheses. Fabienne and Frank Pourrat state that the diode laser is insufficiently used by orthodontists. They propose its use in (a) beautifying the smile with a microsurgery for soft-tissue enhancement and (b) increasing the stability of malposition corrections by decreasing malposition recurrence. It is through a comprehensive decision tree that a practitioner can assess the potential of gingivectomies to contribute to soft-tissue esthetics. Qualified Dentofacial Orthodontic Specialist