Monday, January 22, 2002

Dr.K _________, Research Director Post-Grad Orthodontic Department
Dental Division, NY University

Subj: Orthodontic Jaw wiring for weight loss (OJW): A primer and protocol for orthodontists

Dear Dr. K.,   [ See Dr. K.'s response to this letter. ]
       Hope all is well with you and that you are shepherding the classes of 2002-'03  to new heights of excellence.
      
       When I visited the clinic this past August and met with you briefly, I recognized the need to provide you and others in our profession with information about "jaw wiring for weight loss," a service I provide for carefully selected candidates. Orthodontic Jaw wiring for weight loss,
(http://www.drted.com/index.html/Jaw wiring directory of site URL's.htm).
      
       Now that some time has gone by, and you've had a chance to settle into your new clinic space, I would like to use this opportunity to establish a forum in which we can share points of view regarding this clinical approach to weight loss.
      
       It is apparent to me that orthodontists are uniquely positioned and well suited to provide the service, much in the same way that they provide therapies (over and above the usual orthodontic services) for sleep apnea/snoring, and TMJ syndromes.

       It will come as no surprise that being overweight is presently a grave national problem; it is well documented as a precursor of many major illnesses. As orthodontists, should we or should we not make our expertise and this service available, and provide a treatment modality which for some might be the treatment modality of last resort; where other methods have resulted in failure?  Researchers might consider the benefit of knowing more about the long-range or permanent consequences of joint immobilization under the protocol outlined in my work.
     
        Neglect of a segment of the overweight population that could benefit from our services deserves to be addressed beyond our respective and disparate views on the subject of orthodontic jaw wiring for weight loss (OJW).
      
      Your having a Ph.D. in nutritional biochemistry as you said, brings additional gravitas to your thoughts on the subject. I for one, and perhaps others in our field who have been approached by patients seeking to have their jaws wired, would benefit from knowing more lest we do unintentional harm to the patients we purport to be caring for.
      
         Let's set forth the issues of this virtually ignored and heretofore "unmentionable" subject; we will all learn something more. Moreover, I invite Dr. Jerrold, our profession's foremost legal commentator and orthodontist, and others legal advisors who received this note, to share their views on issues of liability.  (orthodontic jaw wiring for weight loss). Current and recent ortho graduate students, and indeed, all who receive this letter are invited to share their views, comments or questions.

       Celia Giltinian, chief librarian at the American Association of Orthodontist's headquarters in St. Louis, was kind enough to compile a list of literature references that are related or pertinent to the subject.  This list is posted at:   http://www.drted.com/index.html/Jaw wiring for weight loss literature references.htm

      Below you will find the hyperlink to the treatment chart for my most current OJW patient aw wiring: G.S., 49yo Female. As you will see, this is a good starting point for comprehending the service that is being provided in this controversial  and sometimes maligned methodology  for controlled weight loss.
        In addition, the FAQ's of Orthodontic Jaw wiring will be helpful.
http://www.drted.com/index.html/jaw_wiring.htm).

      

Sincerely,

Ted Rothstein, DDS, Ph.D.
NYU Post Grad Ortho Class of  1973.

Cc:  Grad students: Classes of 2001, 2002, 2003, researchers, educators and practitioners whose thoughts on this subject would be most welcome whether they be advocates, neutrals or naysayers.

PS. I will post responses to this letter at the following website address: www.drted.com/index.html/Jaw wiring pros and cons.htm . Requests for anonymity will be respected.  

"The gates of the Future are patrolled by a thousand guardians of the Past"  --Anon.    

Treatment Chart of:
       G.S., Female,  Binghamton, NY; 49, 5'6'' 165lbs:  Goal 125lbs.  Moderately active, Willing to dedicate 6 months to jaw wiring for weight loss.  Weight loss if patient perseveres with discipline: 48 pounds.
       G.S. felt it would be useful to others who may follow her to reveal her history and rationale...which is not atypical, for choosing jaw wiring: [G.S's narrative: www.drted.com/index.html/Jaw wiring for weight loss narrative GS.htm].

Treatment Chart Entries: December 17       December 19       December 29       January 1       January 2
 

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