Abstract
Owing to a shortage in the orthodontic workforce in the United Kingdom, many general dental practitioners carry out orthodontic treatment in selected cases. Orthodontic treatment may not always be successful as a result of various factors. Some of these limiting factors are related to the practitioner, others to the patient, the orthodontic appliances used and sometimes to the underlying biology. It is essential that practitioners are aware of these limitations. The aim of this two part article is to describe some of the practical aspects that need to be considered.