Although we have discussed several issues concerning orthodontic controversies and their resolution. There is no doubt that with the passage of time various disagreements or differences of opinion will disappear as new issues emerge and others assume greater significance. What effect such controversies have on orthodontists may be determined by the manner of their resolution. If the questions arise through our desire to examine our clinical performance in the hope that we can discover ways to improve, such disagreements may be seen as the means to progress. For this to happen, a critical approach to the rationale for orthodontic theory and practice should be adopted willingly and the identification of dogma masquerading as fact be diligently pursued. As each step in the process toward rationality is made, it is equally important to beware of unquestioningly accepting new brands of irrationality, whatever their source is.