Smart Mechanics and Wires to Accelerate Orthodontic Treatment

There has been considerable interest in Orthodontics to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement and treatment time in the last few years. Most of the attention in this area has been to develop mechanical devices or various surgical interventions to accelerate treatment. This lecture will show with case presentations simple biomechanics based appliances and wires to correct unilateral and bilateral Class II molar relationships, canted occlusal planes and dental midline discrepancies in a timely manner and without side effects. Correction of side effects created with poorly designed mechanics are often the biggest culprits in extending the treatment time.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize some common side effects which may extend treatment time.
• Interpret application of biomechanics based wires to correct various dental malocclusions.
• Distinguish various appliances to correct specific problems.