THE EDITOR'S CORNER

Wendell Wylie was a marvelous man. He had a deceptively simplistic viewpoint and a wonderful ability to express himself. Noses, he said, are not bobbed to improve the sense of smell or even to improve breathing very often. He believed that our poorest theories derived from the assumption that malocclusion is a sickness rather than a morphological problem. He felt that, in an effort to be more than mechanical, orthodontists have frequently embraced some questionable theories. He was constantly calling for re-examination of some of our most cherished beliefs and basic conceptions, and for evidence to support their validity.

Now, along comes a periodontist--one of this country's most distinguished--to express some opinions about orthodontic treatment that you may not have heard before. In this month's issue of JPO, Saul Schluger presents some pretty strong stuff for orthodontists to ponder. He has some mighty contrary thoughts about some of our best-held beliefs. But, he is only saying what we frequently say to each other. Put the plaster on the table. He is not only referring to how the case was treated. He is referring more to why you treat the case, what the long range benefits may be, what the penalty of treatment may be, whether our treatment goals are valid, whether our course of treatment is justified.

These are thoughts that would have warmed Wendell Wylie's heart. From such an interdisciplinary approach something of value may derive. Saul Schluger is to be applauded for making a forthright contribution in that direction.