Clinical Orthodontics

Space management in adults using CAD/CAM aligners―Three case reports

Using CAD/CAM technology to produce a series of clear plastic overlays is an aesthetically agreeable solution for space management. Initially, the use of aligners was restricted to treating minor orthodontic cases only,[1] but the improvement in aligner manufacturing in the last five years has allowed us to use aligners in a variety of malocclusion situations today.[2]

Ethical smile design with the Inman Aligner―A case study

There has probably never been a better time to practise dentistry. However, dentists and patients are being bombarded with images of beautiful smiles and, for many years, practitioners have been pressured into believing that porcelain veneers are the answer.

Aesthetics and function: Orthodontic–surgical collaboration as a key to success

Oral surgery is an important cornerstone in orthodontic treatment of malocclusions. Tooth movement is only possible to a limited extent and always depends on the misalignment of the maxilla and mandible in relation to each other, as well as on deformities of the jaw in relation to the other facial bones.

CBCT in orthodontics

The aim of orthodontic diagnosis is to identify dento-alveolar, skeletal and functional alterations in the maxillo-facial complex. Diagnosis and treatment planning are based on a combination of study models, intra-oral and extra-oral images, and radiographs, traditionally consisting of panoramic and cephalometric radiographs.

Dental occlusion/temporomandibular joint and general body health

During the treatment of symptoms originating from disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and occlusion, it was found that restoring the TMJ to its normal condition resulted in a change of general body health. In most cases, this change was for the better. Owing to similar reports, a connection between TMJ status and general body health was therefore hypothesised. However, the mechanism of this relationship remains unclear.

The role of biology in the orthodontic practice

Orthodontic tooth movement results from forces applied to teeth, that evoke cellular responses in the teeth and their surrounding tissues, including the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and gingiva. According to Profs Young Guk Park (Korea) and Ze'ev Davidovitch (USA), it is advantageous for the orthodontist to know the details of the biological events that unfold during tooth movement, because some of these details may differ from one person to another.

The age of digital imaging (Part 1)

Orthodontics is moving into the 21st century with digital and 3-D imaging. However, advancing one’s mindset and practice into the 21st century can be a daunting process.

A worldly journey

With a life path that took him from the military to the orthodontic office, and numerous places in between, Dr Ed Beatty says it’s his family and successful marriage that are his highest achievements. He is still in active practice, but he takes significant time off to travel and pursue his major pastimes of fishing, boating and attending meetings to visit with old friends. Dr Beatty spoke about his career with Dental Tribune.

Cone beam CT-based imaging for evaluation of supernumeraries

In recent years, new developments in Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and 3-D Volume Rendering (3-DVR) software have been designed specifically for orthodontics to illustrate critical anatomical information for treatment planning. In the case of supernumerary teeth, it reveals additional information for the surgical approach and the proximity to critical anatomical landmarks, such as the mandibular canal, alveolar width, maxillary sinus and adjacent teeth.

Efficiency is the key to a prosperous and fulfilling orthodontic practice

While growing up, I always enjoyed brain teasers. When my career in orthodontics began, I was intrigued because everything seemed like a puzzle. While working as a clinical assistant, I was mystified by mechanics and anchorage and their bearing on clinical procedures. As a treatment coordinator, I have experienced the obstacles presented with payment plans, recall systems, follow-up with patients pending a decision to pursue treatment, facilitating and sequencing visits. During my years of ...

Accurate orthognathic surgery predictions for the obstructive sleep apnea patient

Orthognathic surgery has been performed routinely since the mid- 1970s to correct severe skeletal malocclusion. Since its inception, various forms of prediction have been utilized to attempt to educate the patient regarding potential profile changes. Initially, lateral cephalometric tracings were used to create a visual treatment objective. Later, with the advent of computers and computer imaging, multiple computer programs were developed to assist the process. Now, surgical predictions have become ...

Adolescent Hypodontia: Management

Teamwork is essential in the management of hypodontia. Multidisciplinary consultation at the treatment planning stage and coordination and appropriate timing of subsequent inter-disciplinary dental care enables the clinician to provide optimum care. This is particularly critical in the management of hypodontia in adolescence, where a prolonged period of time is involved. This is illustrated in our case report of a 12-year-old Caucasian female. She required a combination of or­thodontic, oral surgery ...