AAO 2021 Winter Conference - The GRAIL: Predictable Class II Correction with Aligner Therapy

Class II correction with aligner therapy is difficult, but there is a misunderstanding as to why. It is not difficult to plan treatment and hand out aligners, it is difficult to overcome the psychological barriers to patients wearing elastics when they do not want their orthodontic treatment to show. This difficulty is compounded by the inability to identify in advance which patients will wear elastics from those who will not. This leaves the orthodontist struggling with a patient who will not allow treatment to be completed without fixing the overjet, but who is unwilling to wear elastics to make the correction. Aligner therapy can be made more predictable (and enjoyable) if this dynamic is recognized, appreciated and if we can find ways to work around the trap. This lecture will explain the underpinnings of the psychology around “loss aversion” and present a creative way to correct Class II malocclusions predictably with aligner therapy.

Learning Objectives:

• Comprehend the concept of “loss aversion” and how it impacts patients motivated by dental esthetics.
• Evaluate how loss aversion undermines the use of elastics with clear aligner therapy making Class II correction problematic and unpredictable.
• Gain new clinical techniques and protocols that make correction of Class II malocclusions more predictable with clear aligner therapy.

Speaker Disclosure:  None

Length of session:
The session is scheduled for 90 minutes.

Continuing Education:
Each participant who completes the Webinar will earn 1.5 CE for the entire session.

Continuing Education Disclaimer:

This Continuing Education Program provides attendees with a relevant and rewarding continuing education experience. However, neither the content of a course nor the use of specific products in any program should be construed as indicating endorsement or approval of the views presented or the products used by the AAO or by any of the respective subsidiaries. Speakers are required to disclose to participants any financial, commercial or promotional interest in a product or company that may influence their presentations; however, the AAO shall not be liable for a speaker’s failure to disclose such interest.

American Association of Orthodontists is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual lectures or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.