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4. Figures. Digital images should be in TIF or EPS format, CMYK or grayscale, at least 5 inches wide
and at least 300 pixels per inch (118 pixels per cm). Do not embed images in a word processing
program. If published, images could be reduced to 1 column width (about 3 inches), so authors should
ensure that figures will remain legible at that scale. For best results, avoid screening, shading, and
colored backgrounds; use the simplest patterns available to indicate differences in charts. If a figure
has been previously published, the legend (included in the manuscript proper) must give full credit to
the original source, and written permisson from the original publisher must be included. Be sure you
have mentioned each figure, in order, in the text.
5. Tables. Tables should be self-explanatory and should supplement, not duplicate, the text. Number
them with Roman numerals, in the order they are mentioned in the text. Provide a brief title for each. If
a table has been previously published, include a footnote in the table giving full credit to the original
source.
6. Model release and permission forms. Photographs of identifiable persons must be accompanied by
a release signed by the person or both living parents or the guardian of minors. Illustrations or tables
that have appeared in copyrighted material must be accompanied by written permission for their use
from the copyright owner and original author, and the legend must properly credit the source.
Permission also must be obtained to use modified tables or figures.
7. Copyright release. In accordance with the Copyright Act of 1976, which became effective February
1, 1978, all manuscripts must be accompanied by the following written statement, signed by all
authors: "The undersigned author(s) transfers all copyright ownership of the manuscript [insert title of
article here] to the American Association of Orthodontists in the event the work is published. The
undersigned author(s) warrants that the article is original, does not infringe upon any copyright or other
proprietary right of any third party, is not under consideration by another journal, has not been
previously published, and includes any product that may derive from the published journal, whether
print or electronic media. I (we) sign for and accept responsibility for releasing this material." Scan the
printed copyright release and submit it via the Editorial Manager, or submit it via fax or mail.
8. Conflict of interest statement. Report any commercial association that might pose a conflict of
interest, such as ownership, stock holdings, equity interests and consultant activities, or patent-
licensing situations. If the manuscript is accepted, the disclosed information will be published with the
article. The usual and customary listing of sources of support and institutional affiliations on the title
page is proper and does not imply a conflict of interest. Guest editorials, Letters, and Review articles
may be rejected if a conflict of interest exists.
Other Articles
Follow the guidelines above, with the following exceptions, and submit via Editorial Manager.
Case Reports will be evaluated for completeness and quality of records, quality of treatment,
uniqueness of the case, and quality of the manuscript. A high quality manuscript will include the
following sections: introduction; diagnosis; etiology; treatment objectives, alternatives, progress, and
results; and discussion. The submitted figures should include extra oral and intraoral photographs and
dental models, panoramic radiographs and tracings from both pretreatment and posttreatment, and
progress or retention figures as appropriate.
Short Communications should not exceed 2000 words, including the bibliography, and should include
a minimal number of figures or tables. Priority will be given to communications relating to primary
research data, preferably clinical but also basic. This section permits time-sensitive material to be
published within 6 months of submission.
Techno Bytes items report on emerging technological developments and products for use by
orthodontists.
Litigation, Legislation, and Ethics items report legal and ethical issues of interest to orthodontists.
Miscellaneous Submissions
Letters to the Editor and Ask Us questions and answers appear in the Readers' Forum section and are
encouraged to stimulate healthy discourse concerning the profession. Send letters or questions
directly to the editor, via e-mail: dlturpin@aol.com. Submit a signed copyright release with the letter, or
fax or mail separately.
Brief, substantiated commentary on subjects of interest to the orthodontic profession is occasionally
published as a Guest Editorial or Special Article. Send Guest Editorials or Special Articles directly to