Temporary Anchors and Surgical Orthodontics

Conventional orthodontic preparation of the dentition prior to surgery is often limited by the extent of required pre-surgical orthodontics. Temporary anchors may be used to assist in expanding the range of decompensation of the dentition prior to surgery or compensation of the dentition when surgery is performed prior to complete decompensation of the dentition. This lecture will discuss the rationale for selection of the appropriate pre and/or or post-surgically assisted application of temporary anchors.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify limitations associated with routine orthodontic preparation for combined surgery and orthodontics.
• Evaluate the indications for pre-surgical application of temporary anchor devices.
• Determine the indications for post-surgical application of temporary anchor devices.