Chat Room

End of the Year - 2011

During this holiday season is a good time for each of us to give thanks for all the blessing we have been given. Even though the world seems to be in conflict…What can we do? So, what can we do individually to make a difference? There are many things we can do….While you and I can make only a small difference, there are some things we can do as parents…be good parents. Our children are the hope for the future. It all starts with them! Professionally, we are in unique positions to influence our patients in more ways than just straightening their teeth. Every day in many ways we can make an impact on others. Encouragement with a simple smile can have a lasting impact.
But some people are saying that there’s not a way an individual can make any difference.
Let me share with you how one individual can make a difference. This is a story about my son, Moody (who has taken over my practice) and his family’s journey into Ethiopia.
This is the team. Moody and Emily are the captains, Hill, Wick, Avery, Isabelle, Eyasu and Abe are the starting line up!!



Words from Emily Alexander…
Not too many years ago we were cruising along without much thought given to the orphan, the poor or Africa. We began to pray that the Lord would begin to open and break our hearts for the very things that break His and man did He answer that one.
We began to prayerfully consider pursuing an Ethiopian adoption. We started the process in May 2007 to adopt a sibling group between the ages of 1-5. We waited longer than we planned (as is often the case in International Adoption) and then saw 2 amazing kiddos on another agency waitlist. We prayed and talked as a family and felt led to bring them into our family! We were devastated several months later to lose that referral. Shortly after, we received another referral, this time for one beautiful baby boy. He was wearing a Texas Tech onesie.
That trip changed our family, for the better. No longer could we pretend to not know of the poor, the broken, the hurting, the orphan, the widow, the very least of these. No longer could we sit idly by and go about business as usual. We felt a connection to Ethiopia and the beautiful people that live there and knew we would return as often as possible.



We have been blessed with many open doors to serve the people of Ethiopia through caring for their dental needs. Ethiopia has 76 dentists for 80 million people. Not 1 for every MILLION people. Our hometown of Arlington, has almost 200 dentists alone. We started EthiopiaSmile and take dental mission trips to Ethiopia. We use dental care as a means to share the good news of Jesus with others. We feel so blessed to have this opportunity to love the people that have given us so much!





We returned to Ethiopia to pick up Eyasu, our 3 year old son in November of 2009. He is pure joy! He is funny and so very smart. He keeps all of us on our toes. :)



Moody is an orthodontist and I am a stay at home, homeschooling, therapy helping mama to the 6 kiddos He has entrusted us to raise.





Hill is the eldest, he is 15. He plays football and baseball. He is quiet, confident and a natural leader.





Wick is 13, also plays baseball, football and basketball. Is quiet and sensitive.....and really funny.





Avery is 12 and is second mama to the little boys. She loves dance, cooking and Africa. Wouldn't surprise me one bit to find her living there one day.





Issy is 10 and our beautiful tomboy. She is a gifted athlete and held the title of baby for 6 whole years! She is a fun loving girl.





Eyasu is 4 and loves his siblings, swimming, baseball and music. He is constantly cracking us up!





Baby Abe is 3 and spoiled rotten. Once a therapist asked me what he did when told "no", to which I replied, "why on earth would I ever tell this child no?" He works harder than anyone that I have ever met, has a smile that will melt your heart! He is the best teacher that I have ever had and our family delights in him daily!
Baby girl , GiGi Alexander, will prayerfully come home from Ethiopia by Christmas of this year. We cannot wait to have her home!
For the rest of the story….go to:

teamalexander.blogspot.com




STUDY CLUB MEETINGS
Recently, study clubs in Brazil, Bulgaria, Japan and America have had successful meetings. You can enjoy some great pictures on the Study Club links for these groups.



BRAZIL STUDY CLUB…
We look forward to all study clubs sending photos and reports from the 2012 meetings.




LATEST BOOK BY DR. A
The end of the year also brought good news for my most recent book “Long term Stability” Alexander Disicipline… the book has received two very nice reviews published in the November issue of the JCO and the December issue of the AJO-DO.

Here are the reviews:


With so few scientific or clinical articles, textbooks, or seminars devoted to long-term retention and stability of treated orthodontic cases, the orthodontic specialty should welcome a book devoted entirely to the subject. Here, Dr. Alexander shares more than 45 years of experience, crit¬ical introspection, and assessment of individual patients, cohorts, and orthodontic records, having followed them many years after orthodontic treatment was ren¬dered. His meticulous record keeping has also served as the basis of numerous investigations by orthodontic colleagues that have confirmed the efficacy of his treatment principles.

This text is written in the most clear, concise, and under¬standable manner possible, using “case-based learning” as an important pedagogical tool. It begins with six important guide¬lines on building facial harmony and stability, including the sur¬rounding tissues, anterior torque control, skeletal control, trans¬verse control, occlusion, and the soft-tissue profile and smile. Subsequent chapters detail clini¬cal concerns in all these areas. In addition to principles for diagno¬sis and treatment planning, the reader receives numerous clinical tips on case management and other useful treatment pearls developed by the author.

Topics such as mandibular intercanine width, mandibular incisor boundaries, the role of incisor torque, and dental arch width and form are covered in great depth. Dr. Alexander thor¬oughly debunks unsubstantiated attacks on properly diagnosed, well-planned, and appropriately managed extraction therapy with respect to overall stability, facial
and smile esthetics, and periodontal and TMJ health. His phi¬losophy is to base the extraction decision on treatment principles, rather than other less-worthy cri¬teria. Clearly, Dr. Alexander uses nonextraction treatment as a strat¬egy rather than a goal in itself.

While the text describes the rationale behind the design of the Alexander Discipline, each and every point can be applied to any modern orthodontic appliance design. Leveling the curve of Spee without flaring the mandibular incisors is among many useful techniques described in this book. The references and case studies presented at the end of each chap¬ter will also be significant learn¬ing tools for any clinician.

Dr. Alexander’s text is a brilliant compilation of time-honored clinical principles, meld¬ed with modern orthodontic goals that are empirically derived, evi¬dence-based, or evidence-bol¬stered. This text might do more than any other I have read to prevent yet another generation of needless orthodontic “retreat¬ments”. Yes, it is that important.

(This last paragraph will be used in the promotion of the book by Quintessence Publishing…)
ELLIOTT M. MOSKOWITZ, DDS, MS

The Alexander Discipline, Volume 2:
Long-term stability
R. G. “Wick” Alexander; Quintessence; 2011;
www.quintpub.com; 208 pages; 1000 illustrations;
$152.00

Reviewed by Peter Shapiro
Dr Alexander has been a major contributor to clinical orthodontics for many years. Also a longtime faculty member, he is currently a clinical professor of orthodontics at Baylor in Dallas, the University of Texas in Houston, and New York University.

As he explains in the introduction to Volume 2, “The purpose of this book is to recognize and identify guidelines that will place the teeth in particular positions that will produce the healthiest, most functional, most esthetic, and most stable results possible.”

The book is nicely laid out and very readable. Its organization is based on his “Six guidelines to building facial harmony and stability”: surrounding tissues, anterior torque control, skeletal control, occlusion, soft-tissue profile, and smile. In each chapter, he presents the evidence, mechanics, stability, and exceptions. I particularly liked the exceptions sections, because in them the author emphasizes that there are exceptions to all guidelines and rules. At the end of each chapter, case reports illustrate the clinical principles of the Alexander Discipline. The case reports are superb; it is the luxury of a text rather than a journal article that allows presentation of complete records before treatment, at the end of treatment, and many years after treatment and retention. The photographs are excellent and illustrate the appliances and mechanics used during treatment. The case reports were selected from the “Room of Truth,” the storage facility with the records of the 15,000 patients treated in Dr Alexander’s office.

The Alexander Discipline is a straightforward and logical approach to orthodontic treatment and follows, in general, what we know from the literature about the long-term stability of orthodontic treatment. However, he makes some statements that are not supported by current evidence: open bite causes mouth breathing, there is a strong relationship between temporomandibular disorders and occlusion, and there is a relationship between bruxism and occlusion. The appliances and archwires he advocates are logical, but there is no scientific evidence to support the statement that they result in better stability. Nevertheless, those minor issues do not detract significantly from the overall message of the book. I see this as an excellent resource book rather than a reference text. It is worth sitting down and reading from cover to cover. I think that future treatment guidelines of the American Association of Orthodontists will not be much different from those of the Alexander Discipline. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2011;140:905
0889-5406/$36.00
Copyright _ 2011 by the American Association of Orthodontists.
doi:10.1016/j.ajodo.2011.10.014


And now…On to the future!
Wick




Summer 2011

In the next few weeks we will be upgrading this website. Over the past few years, the “new hits” have averaged from 5 to 10 doctors per day. The bad news is that the returning visitors have been disappointing. This is my fault because I have not been good at keeping you up with the current happenings. I hope you will like the new and user friendly site. Please let me know your thoughts.

Posted on our website is a lecture by one of Japan’s finest orthodontists, Dr. Kyoko Tachibana. She presented this paper, Facial Profile, at our International Symposium in Italy, March, 2011. In addition to being a fantastic exhibit of high quality extraction treatment, she blends in historical facts about the Japanese and soft tissue profiles. Don’t miss this!!

The AAO gathering in Chicago was a great meeting. Our lecture on Long Term Stability was heard by a “standing room only” audience. We saw many friends who had come from around the world to the meeting.

One of the highlights of my life occurred in June. My University of Texas alumni group invited my sons, Chuck and Moody to share the podium with me at the 50th anniversary celebration for the alumni association. It made me a very happy father. Our presentation was….Orthodontists from Texas – Past, Present, Future!

Later in June I was warmly welcomed in Mexico (Quertaro and Guanajato) for two presentations and then, enjoyed a small, but strong group of orthodontists in Nova Scotia, Canada.

I must admit the most memorable lecture location each year is my trip to Japan. This year everyone was still concerned about the effects of the tsunami and potential radiation poisoning. But, for our meeting in Osaka, we had a great turnout of 1st timers taking the Principles course. The Study Club meeting followed the Principles Course and was in its usual high standard. With support from Biodent (AO dealer in Japan), who contributed financially from all sales at the meeting, we were able to raise some significant financial support to send to the Japanese Red Cross.

Enjoy the rest of the summer. (It’s hard in Texas now…over 100° every day). The Principles Course will be held in Arlington, September 8-9, 2011. We expect a big audience…so, if interested….sign up early.

And now…On to the future!

Wick

Spring 2011

To my Friends and colleagues...

As wintertime turns into spring, the Texas bluebonnets are beginning to think about blossoming … probably will not happen until next month. ?
On a more sober note, isn’t it remarkable how much turmoil our world is now in!!! We have been in contact with many of our Japanese friends and, thank God, as far as we know, all of our study club members are safe and sound. Our continued prayers go out to all those in distress.

Also, what terrible unrest has appeared in the Middle East. Ironically, just recently I was in contact with the American Orthodontic management discussing and planning a trip to that part of the world. As we discussed the trip, I was recollecting the wonderful time I had in 1993 when I was privileged to be the speaker for the FIRST Arab Orthodontic Congress held in Amman, Jordan April 29 – May 3, 1993. It was one of those incredible experiences that will be remembered for always.
We are also praying that peace and safety for all our friends and associates in hopes that normal lifestyles will soon return …. And we can come visit you!!!

Hopefully, you are aware of the SYMPOSUM being held in Rome March 31st to April 2nd. The program will be outstanding!!! Go to www.alexanderdiscipline.com for details.
I so much appreciate the special group of people who have volunteered to be on the program. They are traveling in from around the world, at their own expense, to share their knowledge with other orthodontists. Although I am prejudiced, this will be a group of the greatest orthodontists in the world. It will definitely be worth your time and money.

Before we know, the AAO Meeting in Chicago will be upon us. If you are planning to attend, please come support me during my lecture. It will be at 9:35 am on Sunday morning, May 15th. The title is “It’s Time to Stand Up for STABILITY!”Surprised?

In closing … continue to think of our friends who are having difficulties in their lives. And don’t forget to count your blessings! We are the luckiest people in the world to be orthodontists!


Dr. Wick




End of Year 2010 (December)

As we enter the holiday season of 2010, I want to wish you a wonderful and blessed time with your family and friends.  Haven’t we all been blessed to be in such a fantastic profession that improves our patient’s health and self-image..while giving us a good income to provide for our loved ones.  Even in hard times, many parents will sacrifice to give their children the best health possible.  This is all the more reason to give our patients the best treatment possible!
            Your “global hopping” author has just returned from a 6 week lecture tour covering six countries and eleven lectures.  We began in China (Xian, Wuhan, Shanghai), then to Jakarta, Indonesia.  I then went to Kyoto, Japan for the Southwest Angle meeting..seeing many friends from the Japan Alexander Discipline Study Club.
            From Japan I crossed the oceans to arrive in Milan, Italy, where our Italian Study Club is alive and well.  We heard some excellent presentations and my two lectures in Naples seemed to be well received.
            The highlight of my trip was to be the closing speaker in the “Academia Italiana di Orthodonzia” held in the historic city of Florence.  The audience was excellent, with much support from our Italian Study Group.
            We had considerable discussion on the upcoming Alexander Symposium in April, 2011.  I am anticipating a big effort from our friends in Italy.
            During this time, the Texas Ranger baseball team was playing in the World Series…for the first time in the history of the ball club.  Bad timing for my trip! J
            The final leg of my trip was spent lecturing at well organized venues in Vilnius, Lithuania and Posnan, Poland.  Thank you to everyone involved in making this a very successful lecture tour.

SAVE THE DATE…. for our 2011 International Symposium. 
The Alexander Discipline International Symposium
April 1-2, 2011
ROME, ITALY

The Alexander Discipline International Symposium is a two-day clinical program that will feature a diverse, talented line up of speakers from around the world. 
The theme for Symposium 2011 is….

“Technology, Efficiency and Stability: Key to a Rock Solid Foundation”
REGISTRATION: http://www.power2reason.org/rome01.htm

 

 

 

Fall 2010 (September-October-November)

Life is good!!!

Although when you listen to the news reports, it sometimes makes you wonder. The political situation in America is in "turmoil" as we near the mid-term elections in November ...reflecting similar circumstances around the world.

So what should we do? Although orthodontics encompasses only an extremely small percentage of the economy, we do have an opportunity to change people's lives as well as help improve the local community. So we can continue on an individual basis to give the very best for our patients!

This fall brings with it one of the busiest lecture schedule yours truly have ever had.  We begin with the "Principles" course in Arlington – September 9-10. If you have never taken this course, this is a great opportunity to understand our philosophy and mechanics. Many graduate students from various ortho programs are already signed up.
After we finish with this year’s Principles Course….it is time to get ready for Asia and Europe… I will be lecturing in China (Xian, Wuhan and Shanghai)…then on to Jakarta, Indonesia. 

Following the lecture in Jakarta I will attend the annual meeting of the Southwest Component of the E.H. Angle Society.  The 2010 meeting is being held in Kyoto, Japan and hosted by our Japanese members.

Back in the air again, I will travel to Europe to lecture in Italy (Milan, Naples, and Florence)…then, Vilnius, Lithuania and the last stop is Poznan, Poland…..

Although this is a very long schedule, I really look forward to reconnecting with so many excellent orthodontists and students around the world….we will enjoy learning together!

Also ... it is not too early to begin making plans for our 2011 International Symposium. 

The Alexander Discipline International Symposium
April 1-2, 2011
                                                                    ROME, ITALY

The Alexander Discipline International Symposium is a two-day clinical program that will feature a diverse, talented line up of speakers from around the world. 
The theme for Symposium 2011 is….

“Technology, Efficiency and Stability: Key to a Rock Solid Foundation”

….The Italian Study Club will be hosting this event with the support of the Alexander Foundation, American Orthodontics and SIDO…

So, as you can see, things are happening at AFORE. Please make every effort to participate in continuation of your education and fellowship with the greatest orthodontists in the world.

 

Summer 2010 (May-June-July-August)

It was so good to see many friends and colleagues at the 2010 AAO meeting in Washington, D. C. In addition to the meeting, Janna and I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with two of our grandchildren ... Chuck's son, Blake, and his daughter, Kellyn. We toured some of the highlights found in this fabulous city. For anyone who loves and/or respects the United States of America, this city can give you many reasons to understand why.

With all the turmoil in the world today, sometimes it can give us a negative attitude about the future of our world ... Greece, devaluation of the Euro and other factors in which you and I have no control ... we can sometimes wonder about the future of our world.
I often think about my grandchildren and their future. Will they have the opportunities that my children and I were so blessed to have? Being a natural optimist, I believe they will have many more opportunities than me. The modern technology evolving in orthodontics will enable us to treat more patients better than past generations. By doing our part in creating smiles for our patients…we help them develop better attitudes about life and their futures.

Speaking of the future...
I hope you are making plans to attend the 2011 International Symposium in Rome, Italy – March 31, April 1-2.        Many times in my lectures, I have quoted the phrase, "All roads lead to Rome."
But I have followed it up by asking, "WHERE is Rome???
This next year, we will all know and gather together for a wonderful celebration of friendship and sharing of knowledge!

BOOK UPDATE:

After discussions with Quintessence at the AAO meeting, the decision was made to introduce the book at the 2011 AAO meeting in Chicago, Illinois. We continue to increase the number of long term patients coming back to the office to have Moody treat the new generation. And I must say ... the long term patients are looking better and better!!!   :) 
Maybe those "Guidelines" we continually discuss are important after all! :)

SELF LIGATION Survey:

Over the past few years much advertising has been directed toward the use of self-ligation brackets. I have been told that their popularity has reached its peak and has leveled off or slightly reduced.   It is apparent that some of you who are "believers" in our technique have switched to self-ligation for efficiency purposes.

So I have a question for you...
Do you believe that we should pursue the development of an Alexander self-ligation bracket?
If so, let me assure you that if we begin work on this, it will be designed in such a way that the quality of our finished result will not be reduced.

Life is short----ENJOY!   


Spring 2010 (Feb-March-April)

It is hard to believe, but this winter we have broken a record on the annual amount of snow fall for Dallas/Fort Worth.  So much for global warming!!! 

CURRENT NEWS:

Yours truly, Elisa and Becky are hard at work on the next book…

“Treatment Guidelines for Building Facial Harmony and Stability”.

At this time, the book has 8 chapters, and over 25 long term cases to study.  If all goes well, it should be published by the end of the year.  If you have any thought or suggestions, now is the time to let me know.

As the global economy has threatened the welfare of all of us, maybe this is a good time to re-focus on the real purpose of our profession…PATIENT WELFARE.  Most parents will sacrifice for their children.  Maybe we should also be more lenient with their financial obligation during these troubled times.  The good news is that times will be better!! So, if we continue to focus on quality care, it will not be long before times will improve and you will be better off than before.

For my schedule, the first half of the year 2010 will be spent lecturing in the USA…NYU, UKC, Kansas City, White Plains, NY.  I will not be lecturing at the AAO this year; but, will be at the American Orthodontics booth.  Hope to see you in Washington, D.C.

The second half of the year will be spent on the big bird (airplane) traveling around the world – China, Italy, Poland, and Japan and possible more.  Hope to see you during this time!

Mark your calendar now for the next Alexander International Symposium to be held in Rome, Italy! 
March 31, April 1-2, 2011!!

This is the earliest we have ever scheduled this meeting, so you have plenty of time to create a paper to present.  The theme of the meeting is:

Efficiency and Stability:  Keys to a Rock Solid Foundation

Have a great Spring (northern Hemisphere) and always remember….E=R!!
Feel free to contact Becky or me if you have any suggestion or questions related to the Alexander Discipline.
Life is short----ENJOY!   

 

January 2010

Already ... the first decade has passed in the 21st Century and we are beginning a New Year with hope and expectations.

Looking back to the close of 2009, we had a very successful lecture tour to Germany and Poland in December. Included in the German audience was the "Bavarian" Alexander Study Club, led by Dr. Florian Faessler. I had the opportunity to visit several offices and was very impressed with the beauty of their offices and especially the quality of their orthodontic treatment.
One of the joys in my life has been to see my students become better orthodontists than their teacher.  :)

Krakow, Poland was my next stop. Every time I venture into Eastern Europe, I am reminded of the hardships suffered by these people during World War II and the Soviet Union. I visited the WW II concentration camp, Auschwitz, which gave a very sobering feeling of the horrors of war, as well as the thanks we must always remember to give to those who sacrificed their lives to allow us all to enjoy the freedoms of today.

The lecture topics included two of my latest interests concerning "Biomechanics" and "Guidelines." These courses focus on where the teeth should be at the end of treatment ... then, mechanically, how we can achieve these goals.

It is my hope and prayer that everyone who reads this had a wonderful Holiday Season. My family was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend some time in Aspen, Colorado for skiing and relaxing. The "old man" can still get down the mountain on those skis!  :)

And now .... on to the future!!

January 2010 has already given us the opportunity to get off to a good start with the Advanced Principles Course in Arlington, then on to New York to share my experience with NYU graduate students.

As we begin this new decade, I want all to know how happy I am with my relationship with American Orthodontics! They have been focused on helping create high quality products that continue to make our system the best bracket system possible. If you ever have any problems or miscommunications with AO, feel free to contact me. They are dedicated to making it the best bracket system in orthodontics, so they want to help you.

My next lecture will be at the University of Illinois in Chicago on Feb. 12 - 13th.
Detailed information can be obtained by contacting:
Kim Damrow at American Orthodontics (800-558-7687).

 

 

 

Fall 2009

 

In Texas, as the “dog days of summer” finally changed into the most beautiful time of the year, it is time Fall and time for American football. This is significant to me not only as a fan, but a former player. After graduating from high school, having an athletic scholarship at Texas Tech University also gave me the opportunity to study my pre-dental requirements. Who knows if I would have pursued a higher education and dentistry were it not for that scholarship???

In looking back over my life, I can recall how many small decisions resulted in changing the direction of my life. I am sure you can see similar events in your life, also.

Enough of the distant past, let’s look to see what has happened recently and what to expect in the near future.

Autumn brings a break from the heat and plans for a great trip to Bulgaria and Romania in September.  In Bulgaria, the Study Club is growing and developing an excellent group where the doctors are learning from each other by sharing cases and discussing treatment plans.  It is a pleasure to enjoy their successes.  Dr. Ivan Goryalov and his wife, Sylvana, joyfully welcomed the birth of their daughter, Eva, on her Sept. 25.

 

Following Bulgaria, I traveled to Romania.  Bucharest is such a beautiful city.  I gave the Principles Course here and everyone really enjoyed the wire bending session.  Thank you to Study Club members who helped with the hands-on activity. Your knowledge and experience is invaluable.  Everyone always wants to spend more time bending Omega loops.

After this trip to Eastern Europe, I traveled to Baja, Mexico ….It was great getting to know the members of the Baja California Ortho Group and also the students from Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Campus Tijuana. My lecture was “Guidelines for Building Facial Harmony and Stability”. There were 8 of the students from Baja who came to Arlington to attend the Principles Course.

For those of you who want to know more about the basic fundamentals of the AD, the annual “Principles” course is in September in Arlington. For the “beginner” in our technique, this is the perfect course.  Also, we always have several long time users who return for a refresher course. You will also be hearing from brother Moody, son Moody and nephew Cliff.  In 2 ½ days we teach the 20 Principles that are discussed in detail in my latest book.  You need to have my book, if you don’t already have it.  You can order it from this website.

As we move into the Fall….I not only shared many memories at my high school reunion in Amarillo, Texas; but, also made new memories while celebrating the 30 Year anniversary of the Alexander Study Club of Japan.  My trip to Japan included lectures in Osaka, Fukuoka and Nagasaki.  The first time to work with Biodent of Japan was truly a pleasure.  All the details coordinated with the Study Club members were excellent. Although it was the celebration of 30 years of coming to Japan, it was my inaugural visit to Nagasaki.  The city has made remarkable recovery from its destruction in 1945.

Thank you for sharing your home countries with me.  I feel so welcome in each place I visit around the world and look forward to sharing America and Texas with you some day.

Remember that I will be teaching an advanced Principles Course in January.  See the website for details.

Now, “On to the Future”….

Wick

* * * *

 

Summer 2009

 

A busy, but exciting, few weeks has just come to a pleasant end.  You may be aware that I was in Italy for 2 weeks…speaking to our Italian Study Club and while there, I gave five other lectures.  I visited two new universities, Varese University , founded in 1998 and the University of Messina , founded in 1548. Each of these schools plan to send graduate students to our office in Arlington , and then establish an Alexander Study Club in their university.

          Although the entire trip was great, meeting new friends and seeing beautiful Italy ….I think the highlight for me was the last lecture in the Sicilian city of Palermo (my first visit there).  At the end of the 2-day course, longtime friends and former Study Club Presidents, Remo Benedetti and Maurizio Azzolina, closed the lecture with their presentations.  The cases they presented were outstanding!!  I felt like a father watching his children scoring the winning touchdown (American football J)  They made me proud!

 

          Four days after returning from Italy , I got on the “big bird” again and headed for Mexico .  The first lecture was in Mexico City .  Over 350 doctors attended the 2-day course on Biomechanics and Class III Treatment. Then on to Guadalajara where I talked to 150 doctors and students.  They were a great audience!  During these meeting I met several graduate students who are interested in coming to Arlington to do research in the “Room of Truth”.

Isn’t it ironic that the most significant legacy to be left to the future of orthodontics, may be all those patients I treated so many years ago. J

          The lecture in Guadalajara was sponsored by American Orthodontics.  Their enthusiasm and efforts are outstanding.  I see a bright future for all concerned with the relationship.  

          After such a busy first half of the year with traveling and lecturing, the summer will give me some free time for family, working on my next book, and future lectures.  May you also have a great summer…

 

                                      * * *

 

May 2009

 

The 2009 Meeting of the AAO will go down in my history as a very significant time for the Alexander family.

 To begin with, several years ago, sons Chuck and J. Moody helped organize a “Prayer Breakfast” that is held on Sunday morning during the meeting. It has proven to be a wonderful time of fellowship and worship with many outstanding programs.

But this year, the program was presented by J. Moody and his family. They told the story of the trials and tribulations that surrounded the adoption of their baby boy, Abe, from Ethiopia . As their story unfolded, there was not a dry eye in the room. Moody’s wife, Emily, told how, after bringing Abe home, they discovered that he has brain damage … and how their other four children responded in such wonderful way. What a heart-warming story.

 

On another personal note, I had the honor to be presented the “Dale Wade Award” from the American Board of Orthodontics. This award is given for outstanding contribution to our beloved profession. I am humbled by the recognition and very appreciative.

Dr. Jerry English, Chair of the Ortho Dept. at University of Texas eloquently introduced me. Thanks, Jerry! Over the years Jerry has become a close friend and he began to choke up as he presented the award to me. Of course, I then began to cry when I gave my acceptance thoughts. It was a very unusual sight to see two “old men” crying in front of several hundred people.

I want to thank all those friends from around the world who sent  e-mails or wrote letters of congratulations to me. Also, it was great to see those of you who attended the luncheon and shared this memory with me. It was a true blessing. An informal reception for our study club members was held after the luncheon. We thank all of you who attended for making such an effort to be there.

 

The next afternoon I gave my lecture on biomechanics. The most difficult thing for me was to follow my friend, Charley Burstone, the world’s most famous biomechanics expert. Luckily, we had a great audience, around 1200 doctors, and everyone seemed to respond positively.

 

Another highlight of the AAO meeting was seeing nephew Cliff Alexander’s video presentation where he placed indirect brackets on a lingual patient. It was very interesting. In addition to teaching our technique at St. Louis Orthodontic Department, Cliff lectures extensively on “iBraces”.

 

This time next month (June 1 – 14th) I will be lecturing in Italy . I am looking forward to seeing many old friends and meeting new ones.  Later in June, I will be in Mexico , lecturing in Mexico City then Guadalajara .

 

Enjoy the spring and summer! Can you believe that 2009 is already 1/3 over???    So enjoy!

 

April 2009

It is spring time in Texas . As I write you these words, I can hear the birds singing outside my office window and see the beautiful red and yellow roses in bloom. The Texas Ranger baseball team has gotten off to a great start … so life is wonderful!

 I hope your world is also full of positive thoughts and optimism.  The world economy is in terrible condition, but historically, orthodontics is less susceptible than most other professions to be affected. If we do our business … take care of our patients … all will turn out well. Good Luck!

 

January, February and March of 2009 will go down in my history of lecturing as the busiest time in my career! The reason for this explosion of lecturing is in the hands of American Orthodontics!  J  Why? Because it coincided with their international managers meetings in Europe, then Asia . They invited me to speak … then, since I was there, why not go to a few additional cities.

The lectures in Europe included meetings in Gdansk , Poland , Prague , Czech Republic , Kiev , Ukraine and Istanbul , Turkey before returning home.

Later in February I traveled to Asia . The first stop was Shanghai , China . I lectured there, then HangZhou , Xi’an and Beijing . I continued collecting “Advantage Miles” as I traveled to Taipei , Taiwan then ventured to Manila , Philippines before my last stop in Bangkok , Thailand .

All in all, I had the wonderful opportunity to see old friends and meet many new ones as we spread the word on The Discipline.

Occasionally, I am asked why I continue having such a busy schedule at this time in my career. Why don’t I get on my horse and “ride off into the sunset”?

Why? As long as I have something to teach … and doctors want to learn it … I hope to continue on my journey.

I believe this is critical time in the history of orthodontics. With such excessive advertising hype and media pushing unproven techniques, someone out there needs to deliver the message that basic fundamental principles still have great merit when it comes to results and long term stability.

 

Now I am preparing for the AAO Meeting in Boston . My subject will be “Mechanics.” This will give me the opportunity to give specifics in demonstrating why our technique is so simple yet effective. I hope to see you in the audience. I need your support! J

 

February 2009

 

We are off to a great start for 2009….

 

My new relationship with American Orthodontics (AO) is developing at a fast pace.  There are AO sponsored lectures scheduled all over the world and AO has completed the design of an extraordinary brochure for the Alexander LTS System and the 20 Principles of the Alexander Discipline.

You can request a brochure from: www.americanortho.com

 

My travels have also allowed me to hear many good reports on my second book, The 20 Principles of the Alexander Discipline.  Contact Quintessence Publishing to order it: (www.quintpub.com)

The book provides an excellent resource to my lectures and stimulates good discussions for all who  read it.

 

As usual we had an advanced course in January here in our office in Arlington .  It is always a small group of well-trained orthodontists who are interested in sharing the Alexander Discipline with their colleagues and patients. This year we had five countries represented among the participants… Hungary , Bulgaria , Mexico , Taiwan and Syria . 

The next course in Arlington will be this Fall…. Sept. 24-26…The Principles Course.

 

 

EUROPEAN LECTURES

I have just completed a European lecture tour:

  • Prague , Czechoslovakia
  • Gdansk , Poland
  • Kiev , Ukraine
  • Istanbul , Turkey

 

ASIAN LECTURES

Next on the world tour is:

  • Shanghai , China – Feb. 19-21
  • HangZhou , China – Feb. 23-24
  • Xi’an , China – Feb. 26
  • Beijing , China – Feb. 27
  • Taipei , Taiwan – March 1
  • Manila , Philippines – March 3-4
  • Bangkok , Thailand – March 6-7

 

I look forward to seeing many old friends and making many new friends as my schedule will take me to places I’ve been before, but also on some new adventures. Be sure to say “hi” to me if I am in your city.

 

Oh…and don’t forget about the 2009 AAO meeting.  I hope you are planning to attend in Boston , Massachusetts in May… I will be speaking on Sunday, May 3, 2009. 

My topic is “HIGH STANDARDS with TIME TESTED MECHANICS”.

 

On to the future!

December 2008

Someone once said that the older you get, the faster time flies. This has certainly been true for this year ... 2008. Maybe it is because we were all so busy this past year.  :)

 

Although the world is in an economic downturn, I am optimistic that we as orthodontists will weather the storm better than most. Reflecting back to the past during my career, when the economy went down, my practice felt very little change. Even in bad times parents will continue to focus on their children. So be positive and give your best to your patients.

 

It has been a great year for the "Discipline." Happily, I reached an agreement with American Orthodontics. We have been working hard to produce for you the latest and best brackets, archwires, etc. Next year should be a good year with AO sponsoring many lectures and meetings.

This year we have given courses in  Germany , Bulgaria , Croatia , Japan , and Mexico . I saw many old friends and met new ones. For next year, we will be on the road visiting over 10 countries. I hope to see you there.

 

Our website popularity continues to amaze me. We average between 5 and 10 NEW hits per day ... from all over the world. This kind of encouragement enforces my belief that our discipline is becoming more popular as time goes by. I have been told the "low friction", self ligation systems are beginning to be less popular since it is so difficult to finish the case. This is where the Discipline shines!

 

And I receive individual emails from doctors from around the world routinely. Thank God for the internet. It allows us to all be one big happy family.

 

As an example, our good friend, Ivan Goryalov from Bulgaria , has created a special website for "Alexander Smiles." Please visit this website: www.alexandersmile.com  and send your best smiles for this website to: ivang@usmivki.com

 

2009 will be a year of opportunity! Let us all make a pledge to produce the very best orthodontics possible on our patients. 

And we must keep in touch! Write me if you have any comments, questions or concerns.

 

I look forward to seeing you next year!

 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

 

                                                                        Wick

October 2008
click here for more Symposium pictures

 

 

TIME passes so quickly … when you are having FUN!

 

2008 INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

It is already October, the ADI Symposium in Opatjia , Croatia is over and I just returned from a two week lecture tour in Europe … specifically Germany and Bulgaria .

 

Hosted by my dear friend, Marko Perkovic, the Symposium location and weather were just fantastic! Elsewhere you can see some photos taken during the Symposium. The program included outstanding lectures from 12 orthodontists from throughout the world. I must admit my extreme bias, but the patient cases presented by these doctors almost brought tears to my eyes … some of the highest quality results one could imagine! These lectures included doctors from China , Japan , Europe, U.S.A.   The audience included doctors with many years experience, as well as young students just beginning their journey in orthodontics.

Those who went on the sightseeing trip the day after the meeting were surprised to see the beautiful country … but, mostly excited with the eating (and drinking Marko’s wine) and singing each of our nation’s national anthems. The evening was highlighted with a football (i.e. soccer) game that we played together! The good news was that a few of us had only minor injuries.

So much love and respect between our international friends was demonstrated.

Many thanks to Becky Davis for her efforts in organizing the Symposium and being available to see that the program ran very smoothly!

 

EUROPE LECTURES

My first lecture tour sponsored by American Orthodontics occurred the last two weeks of September. The lecture subject was “When does a Nonextraction Orthodontist Extract?”

We began in Hamburg , Germany , and then went to Sophia , Bulgaria . After the course in Sofia , there was a very successful Bulgarian Study club meeting led by Ivan Gorylov.

Next, I traveled to Fresing , Germany outside of Munich for the final two-day lecture. It was well attended and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and hopefully learned some orthodontics.

 

OCTOBER 2008

A busy month is planned, including:

·        The Principles Course - Oct. 9 -10  in Arlington with 52 participants registered.

·        Teaching at NYU 16, 17 & 20th. Then my annual trip to Japan the last week of October.

 

On to the future!

 

 

 

Summertime in Texas …

 

July and August are traditionally known as the “Dog Days of Summer.” The temperature is hot and there is very little rain.

But we have the perfect time of the year to follow …September and football!  J

Orthodontically, these days are passing quickly as we are organizing many international courses with the guidance of American Orthodontics (AO). When I signed on with AO, I knew they were exposed internationally, but I was unaware to what extent. Courses have already scheduled for me in Western and Eastern Europe , Japan and Mexico later this year. 2009 will much busier.

 

2008 Alexander Discipline International Symposium – Opatija, Croatia

 

The ADI Symposium in Croatia is in its final planning stages. Becky Davis is creating an outstanding social program and we are very happy with the scientific agenda. This international group of outstanding orthodontists will discuss subjects that include Temporary Anchorage Devices, Palatal anchorage, and Clinical treatment on Class II, Class III and Open bite malocclusions, as well as measuring patient’s discomfort during treatment. Yours truly will be beginning and ending the meeting with discussions on the Long term effects of various approaches to treating missing teeth.

 

The meeting will be Sept. 5-6, 2008. Last minute registration is still possible.

 

July 2008

 

Dr. Alexander’s new affiliation with American Orthodontics, he will be traveling extensively in September, October, and November of 2008. We will keep you posted as the specific locations of the lectures are decided. Check here for the posted dates: Lecture Schedule 2008

 

June 2008

 

The AAO meeting in Denver is now history, but pleasant memories recall many exciting happenings. I was very pleased with the reception to my lecture: DIFFICULT DECISIONS with MISSING TEETH: Consequences of opening or closing spaces.

A standing room only audience counted more than 1800 doctors. But, as a father, the real thrill was to listen to my son, Chuck, as he and his group discussed Interdisciplinary Treatment. Of course, it was a great presentation! He made his father very proud! J

 

Also at the meeting my second book, 20 Principles of the Alexander Discipline, was introduced by Quintessence. We are very happy with the final result. I want to acknowledge my staff, Elisa San Juan and Becky Davis , who were always there to help. The unique design and color coordination were created by my editor Lisa Bywaters at Quintessence. The book can be ordered at: Quintessence

 

Many of you know that I terminated my contract with Ormco last year. After having many in depth conversations with several outstanding companies, happily I have decided to work with AMERICAN ORTHODONTICS (AO). AO provides quality products and I know you will be pleased if you decide to work with them, too. Their website is: www.americanortho.com

At this time we are discussing possibilities of future products … brackets, archwires, etc. Of course, our goal is to continue to make the mechanics more efficient while maintaining the same quality results demanded by the Alexander Discipline.       Now….on to the future!

 

April 2008

 

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

 

Only 3 weeks until the AAO in Denver , Colorado .

Quintessence tells me that the new book will definitely be available at the meeting. It is being printed in Hong Kong . They have a “rush” order of 100 books that will be available at their booth in Denver . If you have pre-ordered the book, it will probably arrive at your address around June 16th … delivered by UPS.

For more information, “Click here to order” on the ADI website.

 

Remember, I will be talking about “Missing Teeth” on Saturday, May 17, 1:15pm.

My son, Chuck, will be lecturing on Tuesday, May 20 at 2 pm. His subject is “Multidisciplinary Treatment”. You will like it!!! J

 

Upcoming Courses:

The Advanced Course will be held in June 26-27 at our office in Arlington .

Check details in the “Upcoming Courses” section of the ADI website.

 

The ADI International Symposium plans in Opatija , Croatia- September 3-5 are developing quite nicely. You will really be impressed with the speakers and their subjects. We have 14 speakers from 8 countries at this time. There is still time to enroll, but Becky tells me that if you can let her know that you are coming as soon as possible, it will make her life much better. J

 

I have recently been interviewed by “Topics in Orthodontics,” an audio presentation sponsored by the AAO. The subject is “Difficult Decisions with Missing Teeth.” The tape presentation will be available through the AAO next month. Also, be looking for an article on the same subject in a future issue of J.C.O.

 

My discussions with other orthodontic companies are progressing along. It looks like we have narrowed it down to two companies. I am hoping to make a decision by the time we go to the AAO.

 

 

Fig20-12AFirmHandshake.jpg picture by alexanderdiscipline1 Friends and colleagues:

Thank you for browsing our website. Welcome to the first addition of “Chat Room” to help you keep up to date with what is going on in the Alexander Discipline.

 

First some very Exciting News!!!

 

After several years of effort, and much support from my staff of Elisa San Juan and Becky Davis, our new book is being printed by Quintessence Publishing Co. It should be available by the end of April … and in plenty of time before the AAO in Denver . “The 20 Principles of the Alexander Discipline” is filled with photos, graphics and information that you can use in your daily routines, regardless of your technique. If you are interested in additional information, please contact Quintessence.

Speaking of the AAO, I will be lecturing on Saturday

Dr. Wick teaching his grandson how to shake hands            afternoon, May 17th. My subject is “Difficult Decisions
                                                                           with Missing Teeth.” Hope to see you there.

 

As some of you know, my relationship with Ormco ended last year. It was a difficult decision for me, but it was something I had to do. This resulted in canceling several lectures across the world.

Since that time, I have been in discussions with several other orthodontic companies. These include American, Unitek, GAC, Lancer and Phoenix Orthodontics.

I am hoping that a final decision can be made in the next few months. We will keep you informed.

 

Also ...

 

Time is slipping away in regards to registering for the 2008 International ADI Symposium in Croatia . An outstanding group of orthodontists from throughout the world will be presenting.

We really need to know your plans, so contact Becky at bdavis05@swbell.net for a registration form and to let us know that you are coming!

 

Have a great spring,

Wick