Explaining variability

David NORMANDO

Orthodontic treatment is routinely described to last, on average, 24 months. Nonetheless, every orthodontist has already experienced that this time length shows huge variability, depending on several factors that are inherent to the operator, the patient, scientific knowledge and mastering of the mechanics used in orthodontic movement. It is very likely that there is something else, something still unknown. In this case, as well as in many others, being aware of the mean time will end up being of minor importance and will produce meager information.2 Variability is routine in the biological field, a measure which is much more interesting than the mean itself. [...]

How to cite: Normando D. Explaining variability. Dental Press J Orthod. 2016 Nov-Dec;21(6):15-6. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2177-6709.21.6.015-016.edt

Saturday, November 23, 2024 02:06