Orthodontics got its start in Italy during the 50’s when a group of Masters degree pioneers, E. Muzi, G. May, and O. Hoffer, paved the way for its development. The first Italian study on Orthodontics (GISO - 1967) along with efforts from the Italian Society of Orthodontics (SIDO - 1968), the first school of Specialized Orthodontics (Cagliari - 1973) and academic instructors, have all contributed to training thousands of professionals in Orthodontics.

In this book series, every volume has its own monographic characteristics, varying according to the argument at hand.

We have left much space for the iconography in order to allow it to serve as an atlas and guide for practical professional use. The text, kept concise, has been prepared with maximum scientific and bibliographical rigor, with valid, logical clinical standards. The illustrations are clear, allowing the user to reap the best benefits from the guide and learn the discipline with greater ease.

With great satisfaction, the book series doubled five years ago with the 25th volume. The series was quickly moving towards new horizons, an unexpected result given our humble, timid beginnings when we first began with the first volume in 1996.

Certainly, the merit of the project is the combined experienced of all of the Italian orthodontic schools and pro¬fessionals that have enthusiastically participated in the initiative, enriching it throughout the years with highly relevant monographs that have provided the best of the results of their specific areas of research.

The broad consensus of participants and satisfication of readers, which provide accurate, positive reviews, are testimony to their success. It is thus our job to improve the quality of topic selection, and on behalf of the Editor, enhance the quality of graphics and file formatting. These efforts will go towards offering practical, yet exhaustive, texts that are easy to understand and allow for clear application of the techniques.

The 32nd volume has enriched the books series via an extraordinary event; it was printed in English, thanks to the vision and courage of beloved editor Doctor Alfredo Martina.

It will be our task to also invite the best foreign academic institutions to participate in future book series projects, and at the same time, to spread the validity of research conducted by Italian orthodontic schools to schools abroad. We are very honored to present the 36th part of the book series, a splendid monograph on the Lip Bumper, authored by Doctor Fabrizia Ferro.

The author grew up at the excellent school of her father, Professor Adolfo Ferro, who founded and taught at the School of Orthodontics, Department of Medicine and Surgery at the Second University of Naples. Professor Ferro has prepared and trained a multitude of ex-pupils over the last few decades.

Precision, along with the didactic methods of teaching and rigorous research processes of Professor Ferro have provided the basis for the application of different protocols to various important dento-skeletal malocclusions.

Among his protocols, we enjoy remembering class III treatment with the SEC III, the non-extractive techniques according to Cetlin and early Orthodontics.

In this context, the author has conducted a series of well-documented, prolonged research on the use of the Lip Bumper as the chosen device for non-extractive treatment of moderate crowding in mixed dentition.

Thanks to her long clinical and research experience, the author has been able to gain a rich, well-documented medical case report.

The report describes the different types of clinical applications, followed by an accurate presentation of the dif¬ferent possibilities of modelling the device.

The instructions present the ideal timing for application, particularly for biomechanical use.

The final chapter, deservedly, is a description of the original design of the Lip Bumper, realized by the personal experience of Professor Adolfo Ferro.

An impeccable iconography, filled with numerous clinical cases, completes this excellent clinical text.

Thus the monograph is advised not only for those in route to specializing, but also to specialists with notable clinical experience, as they will find advice to better or simplify techniques to obtain results that are quicker and/or more stable.

We thank the Editor, Doctor Alfredo Martina, for his endless energy and enthusiasm in his work, which has en-hanced the typographic and iconographic contents of the series, and for having been nearby with his wisdom during the most delicate and difficult decisions.

Prof. Alberto Caprioglio
Associate Professor and Chairman
Department of Orthodontics
University of Insubria
alberto.caprioglio@uninsubria.it

Prof. Damaso Caprioglio
Professor and Former Chairman
Department of Orthodontics
University of Parma
damaso.caprioglio@dentalchildren.net

Science is always evolving, leaving that, which was considered revolutionary yesterday, has already become obsolete today.

This is the real meaning of the monograph that beings the functional significance of the Lip Bumper into the limelight, showcasing its ability to create new neuromuscular equilibrium and stability in results obtained from its use.

The first part of the monograph spans from the biological principles of maxillofacial growth to the clinical and therapeutic significance of the Lip Bumper. In this context, the author highlights the dynamic management of the leeway space in mixed dentition and of the reinforced anchorage in permanent dentition.

The author pays special attention to the correlation between the Lip Bumper and “functional pattern” of the tongue, lip and cheek structures. Expansion not only involves dental elements, but also the basal bone structure, which is a stabilizing factor for results in the long-term. Of particular interest is the description of device design useful for successful treatment outcomes and in addition, the “mechanobiological” aspects behind the application of the device. Finally, another feature, illustrated skillfully, describes some of the treatment risks; this is not only a specialized, but also an ethics-related aspect- “primum non nocere: first, do no harm”.

Everything must be granted to science in favor of man: nothing must be grant to man in favor of science. Moreover, the chapter on treatment limits within the neuro-muscular response during maxillofacial growth deserves special mention.

The monograph’s rich, experience-based philosophy provides the basis for its clear, fluent narrative, iconographic documentary, and of upmost interest, an exhaustive list of appropriate citations. All of my respect goes to the author for her significant scientific and clinical contribution.

The success of the monograph is already evident: this is a precious guide that enriches knowledge of the Orthodontist, the student, and enthusiast.

Passion builds culture and stimulates culture: culture is the result of sacrifice, not of inheritance. Finally all of my unconditional respect goes to Profs. Alberto and Damaso Caprioglio that, with their diverse wisdom and expertise, direct the Orthodontics book series: this certainly represents a significant scientific and clinical contribution towards new conquests in Orthodontics.

Ennio Giannì
Professor Emeritus,
University of Milan, Medicine

I thank my father for having “impregnated” me with passion and curiosity for orthodontics and my mother for having taught me unconditional rigor and discipline, both of which were necessary elements for my professional and personal development.

For the monograph writing, I thank Dr. Roberto Mignogna for his precious contribution in the computerized imaging and Mariangela Visco, the intellectual memory of the Ferro office, for her constant help in gathering documentation, and everyone else of the office’s staff, in particular my sisters Drs. Roberta and Valeria, with whom I work daily.

Last, but not least, I thank Oreste and my children, Edoardo and Elisa because they have given me a new perspective on life and have completed me.

Dedicated to the patients, who have trusted me and given me confidence with their cooperation and respect.

INTRODUCTION

DESCRIPTION AND INSTRUCTIONS

CRITERIA FOR LIP BUMPER MODELING

BIOMECHANIC DESCRIPTION

TIMING

PRESCRIPTION, ACTIVATION

TREATMENT RISKS

TREATMENT DURATION

TREATMENT LIMITATIONS

LONG-TERM STABILITY

CONCLUSION: THE KEY TO SUCCESS

BIBLIOGRAPHY

PREPARATION AND STANDARD LIP BUMPER MODELING USING DENTAL CASTS,
according to A. FERRO, in collaboration with E. Galiero