Published on
A vexing problem, mesially ectopic molars at their worst, can cause resorption of roots and may themselves impact and never erupt. Brass wire ligatures are one option to improve the trajectory of the ectopic molar.
Published on

The New Wisdom in Orthodontic Treatment

For years, Orthodontic Conventional Wisdom taught us our treatment sequencing should be: 

1. Level and Align, then;
2. Resolution of Transverse Discrepancies; 
3. Vertical separation (disclusion) of the incisors as needed,  to allow;
4. Correction of the sagittal relationship of the posterior teeth, and finally;
5. Retraction of maxillary anterior teeth and; 
6. final detailing. 

​
In his 2000 World Journal of Orthodontics article, “Ordinary Orthodontics”, James McNamara reviews these steps of conventional wisdom’s sequence and says, “It is hoped that some of the details described here as ‘ordinary orthodontics’ will contribute to the improvement of fixed appliance therapy as practiced on a daily basis.”


The New Wisdom is all turned upside down and inside out! Now we are enjoying starting treatment sequencing with Sagittal Correction of Posterior teeth, during which the incisors can be sectionally aligned if desired.

Sagittal Correction BEFORE Resolution of Transverse Discrepancies!

Sagittal Correction BEFORE Vertical Correction (though Vertical correction may be coupled with the Sagittal correction if desired.)

Sagittal Correction that changes the face for the better, and often provides vertical improvement as well.

Fantastic! is the only description that fits.

The D2 Sagittal Corrector from OrthoArch is a tool of thrills and chills in your hands.  Why?  Because you start with it!  And your occlusion goal of Class I is reached in 3-5 months.  Can you even imagine turning your Class II or Class III patient’s occlusion to a Class I treatment case?

The D2 utilizes elastics during the time of greatest compliance, at the beginning, rather than the time of least compliance, late in treatment when the patient (and parent) is tired of it all.

Upside down and inside out:  The D2 allows you to help the recalcitrant patient by explaining that the braces don’t go on until THEY have completed this part of THEIR treatment.

UPSIDE DOWN and INSIDE OUT:  You have just helped the patient and parent “own” their problem.  When they ask, “But can he/she just go ahead and ‘start’ the braces?”, your answer can be, “As soon as he/she has completed his/her bite correction.”

WOW.

If you haven’t started treating with the New Wisdom, today is a great day to do so!

Some BTW’s for you:

- Be sure to utilize lower lingual arch in your child and adolescent patients.  That leaves them only one compliance to follow - the elastics.  Adding an Essix is an unnecessary burden.

- Over-correct slightly by a millimeter or so.  You’ll be glad you did as you do final detailing.

- Utilize a Nance, ULA or TPA if you are not going to expander after the D2’s, just to help retain the correction you’ve got.

- Enjoy seeing your treatment times be about 12 months, OR LESS.

- Utilize Sagittal Correction in Mixed dentition !

- Utilize Sagittal correction, THEN clear aligners if you have a responsible patient whose needs are suited to aligner therapy.  You’ll reduce the number of aligners needed!

It’s a New Day, with New Wisdom.  You can indeed LOVE seeing the Class II or Class III malocclusion patient!

Case Explanation: 

Picture
The following case shows a patient in mixed dentition with Class II malocclusion and crowding.  The D2 Sagittal Correctors were chosen to correct the posterior occlusion to Class I and to create some of the arch length needed for the permanent canines and bicuspids when they erupt.  Using the D2 for sagittal correction along with a lower lingual arch provided a 4-month correction to Class I.  Following the sagittal correction, utility arches were used to align incisors, idealize overbite, and overjet, and further correct arch length.
Picture
The D2 appliance consists of two parts: a posterior component which has a free-floating metal bar attached and is first bonded to the six year molar. The posterior bar is cut to length and can be measured to fit any size span. The anterior component is bonded on an anterior tooth,  in this case the primary first molar, after placement of the posterior bar into a reception hole in the anterior component. (These components are universal and can fit both the right and left sides.) The patient then wore elastics full-time, resulting in the sagittal correction and additional arch length.
Picture
Published on
There are a lot of functional appliances being taught to dentists. They rely on patient compliance - that’s the tough part. The question is, then, “can they be REALLY functional for this patient?" Ask the question as you treatment plan each patient.
Published on
A forward tongue position is now typical in child and adolescent patients. It used to not be that way. There are a whole host of dental and orthodontic problems that can result.
Published on
Sleep apnea's resurgence in interest has some interesting and important reasons. And one of them is how it affects your child.
Published on
This is not just true in dentistry, but in every profession. 

Being skilled -- in dentistry or whatever your work is -- is a great accomplishment. The dentist worked hard to learn and hone those skills.  But there is the challenge to go beyond the 'technician' and transcend into something special. 
Published on
Practicing great pediatric dentistry is possible without using sedation and general anesthesia. For the vast majority of patients, this is safer and creates a happier, healthier dental experience. Here's how.
Published on
It takes a team to run a dental practice. As the owner of the practice, it's important to remember that your team members need respect and love - and there's a way to do it right.
Published on
Dentists who treat children have a unique opportunity to use their awareness of developmental issues which can occur. In this VLOG entry, I want to address these.
Published on
Doctor, what is it you fear in your dental practice?
What scares you and how do you deal with it?  
​There is an answer found -- in your perspective.
Picture

Dr Chris Baker

America's most-trusted teacher of orthodontic continuing education, Dr. Chris Baker has practiced and taught for more than 30 years, and is a current or former faculty member of three U.S. dental schools.  She is a pediatric dentist, author, blogger, dental practice consultant, and mentor.  Dr. Chris is also Past President and Senior Instructor of the American Orthodontic Society.  She is based in Texas, USA, but lectures around the world.

Archives

Text and images
© 2024 Dr Chris Baker