My long and winding road in orthodontics

This manuscript presents the transcript of the World Federation of Orthodontists Honorary Lecture delivered at the opening ceremony of the 10th International Orthodontic Congress in Rio de Janeiro, titled "My Long and Winding Road in Orthodontics." The lecture reflects on the author's professional journey in orthodontics and the evolution of the speciality over several decades, illustrated through representative clinical cases. The narrative traces major paradigm shifts in orthodontic practice, including the transition from banding to bonding, advances in anchorage control, the introduction of skeletal anchorage systems, the emergence of aligner-based therapies, and the integration of digital technologies into diagnosis and treatment planning. Clinical cases are presented to demonstrate how these developments have influenced treatment strategies for complex malocclusions, including vertical discrepancies, anterior open bite, severe skeletal deformities, and interdisciplinary orthodontic-surgical cases. Long-term follow-up records are included when available, emphasizing treatment stability and the enduring importance of accurate diagnosis and patient cooperation. Beyond technical advances, the lecture underscores the broader role of orthodontics in improving function, esthetics, and quality of life, while highlighting the values of mentorship, collaboration, and lifelong learning. This Honorary Lecture transcript is intended to offer inspiration and clinical insight to orthodontic students, residents, and practitioners by sharing lessons learned from a lifetime dedicated to the speciality.