ABOUT

Hello, I am Kazumi Ikeda, the representative of the Roth Study Club Japan. It has been more than 40 years since I began practicing orthodontics. While many of my peers are approaching retirement age, rather than losing interest in my work, I find orthodontics increasingly fascinating. Recent advances in MRI and CBCT imaging of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) have been remarkable. Whereas we were once unable to visualize the TMJs clearly, we can now obtain detailed images, which has greatly improved our diagnostic capabilities. Furthermore, only a limited number of countries are currently able to utilize MRI routinely for TMJ diagnosis.

In traditional orthodontic treatment, it was believed that if the teeth were properly aligned, functional aspects—including the TMJs—would improve, facial aesthetics would be enhanced, and the results would remain stable after treatment. However, experience has shown that simply having “straight teeth” does not necessarily guarantee these outcomes, and Dr. Roth had serious doubts about this assumption. He began to examine jaw position and functional occlusion—factors that had not previously been given sufficient attention in orthodontic diagnosis—in a more objective manner. He incorporated these concepts into clinical practice, established them as the foundation of his treatment philosophy, and shared this approach with orthodontists around the world. Today, that legacy continues to be carried forward by dedicated orthodontists worldwide.

In Japan, more than 30 orthodontists have inherited this vision and are working to further develop it for the next generation. The fundamental principle is to evaluate the condition of the TMJs and align the teeth in harmony with its function. In doing so, careful attention must be paid not only to the facial profile but also to the periodontal tissues. Recognizing that the health of the TMJs is closely linked to mandibular growth, we continue to refine and advance the Roth Philosophy.

The prevalence of orthodontic treatment in Japan remains relatively low; in fact, we still lag behind several other Asian countries. Orthodontic treatment is a unique form of healthcare that enables us to “design the face.” I believe it is a highly rewarding and meaningful profession—one that enhances facial aesthetics without invasive intervention and one that can positively influence a child’s mandibular growth.