Contemporary Controversies in Orthodontics: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

AbstractOrthodontics is a dynamic specialty characterized by continuous evolution in diagnostic philosophies, treatment modalities, and biomechanical concepts. Despite significant advancements, numerous controversies persist regarding growth prediction, etiology and classification of malocclusion, diagnostic tools, treatment timing, appliance selection, biomechanics, extraction decisions, retention protocols, and emerging modalities such as clear aligner therapy. These debates arise due to biological variability, methodological limitations, and differences in clinical interpretation. This narrative review aims to succinctly synthesize and critically discuss the major controversies across the entire spectrum of orthodontics, as described in contemporary literature, to aid clinicians in evidence based, patient centered decision making.