Management of the Vertical Dimension: TADs or Aligners?

The main question is to find out if the vertical problem is dental or skeletal, what is the vertical position of the upper incisors and lower incisors and the vertical dimension of the lower facial height. Then we need to combine and coordinate the vertical dimension diagnosis with sagittal and transverse problems. By evaluating these two features we will be able to decide if we should correct the vertical discrepancy by dental movements or skeletal movements or combination. If the lower facial height is increased or decreased we need to intrude or extrude posterior structures. However if the lower facial height is normal vertical correction needs to be corrected by extruding or intruding the upper and/or lower incisors based on incisor exposure. The best ways of correcting the vertical problems using the most effective mechanics including TADs, orthognathic surgery, sequential aligners and braces will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: 

• Differentially diagnose dental and skeletal vertical discrepancies.
• Decide when to cahnge the facial vertical dimension or correct the vertical discrepancy by dental movements.
• Gain a better understanding of the dental and skeletal effects of different treatment modalities.