Comprehensive Orthodontic Education-Session 2

Each session of our online Comprehensive Orthodontic Program maintains the same format as our classroom program and is documented by a lecture/slide presentation, presentation of cases, a video demonstration of the project mechanic and technique, and instructions for completing the project. Each session builds on information from the previous sessions and is presented in the same sequence you will encounter in patient treatment delivery.

This session is divided into short manageable sections to fit into any schedule, and can be paused and reviewed as often as you need.  To successfully complete this session watch each of the lectures/chapters, complete the written evaluation for that section, and if applicable for that chapter, complete the clinical hands-on project. 

In Session 1 we covered the initial stages of treatment including proper record taking, cephalometric tracing and diagnosis, case selection, treatment planning and sequencing and bracket placement.  We established the parameters to help you choose the appropriate cases to treat orthodontically and covered in detail the information you will need to gather in order to properly diagnose the case and establish a treatment plan.  The foundation of our course is non-extraction treatment using Straight Wire Mechanics and Techniques.  Because it is so critical to the success of your cases,  we covered in detail the features and benefits of the Straight Wire bracket and how to obtain the proper placement using specific guidelines and accurate measurements.  In Session Two we will build on that foundation by introducing Dr. Gerety's archwire sequence; the force systems and ligation methods; the use of the Multi-Distalizing Arch; and the importance of Phase I Interceptive treatment using a fixed technique of brackets and bands with archwires and open coil spring.

Session 2 will describe in detail the archwire sequence that we have found to be the most successful, how to best form the archwires, the different properties of archwires, and when it is time to move to the next level of treatment.  Along with the archwire mechanics we will discuss the types of forces that are appropriate to add, when to add them and how to adapt them.  Once you have learned the proper diagnosis and the correct bracket placement the material presented in this session will enable you to begin the treatment sequencing in a predictable and systematic manner.  

We have established guidelines that we recommend to determine  the appropriate cases for Phase I treatment that we will discuss in this session, along with the treatment options that we have had success with, including the straight wire appliances with an archwire sequence and open coil spring. The utility archwire is an ideal mechanic for use in the mixed dentition; it is designed to bypass the teeth from the lateral to the first molar and is used as a transition wire to hold space while waiting for teeth to erupt.  We will focus on how to fabricate a utility arch, the indications for use, and their functions. 

The key to successful non-extraction therapy is the ability to move the dentition in 3 directions and take advantage of the 3 planes, anterior, lateral and posterior.  The mechanics of the MDA allow us to move the teeth distally by moving the molars back and retracting the posterior teeth into the correct position.  In this session we explain the mechanics, adaptation and seating of the Multi-Distalizing Appliance, and present several of our cases using the MDA.

Throughout our course each and every procedure is supported with a detailed slide sequence, patient cases demonstrating the technique and an HD video demonstration of the clinical project.

COURSE OBJECTIVES -  

You will be introduced to elastic ligatures, stainless steel ligatures, Koby hooks, rotation wedges, chain elastics and open coil spring.  You will learn the indications for their use, activation and technique, as well as the correct instruments to use for efficient and successful placement.

You will learn which size archwire to use to accomplish your desired results, along with the manipulations that may be necessary to form the archwire and coordinate the upper and lower archwires.  You will learn the purpose and indications for placing Accentuated Curves /Reverse Curves and cinchback bends.  We will discuss the indications for additional forces and the placement of open coil springs, rotation wedges and chain elastics.

We will discuss how to fabricate the utility archwire as well as the uses of the utility archwire including intruding anterior teeth, as an aid in bite opening, to level molars, and to hold space bypassing the primary molars in mixed dentition. This session will teach you the technique of molar distalization using the MDA.  The MDA is a multi-functional appliance that allows you to distalize bilaterally, unilaterally, upper and lower, and for both children and adults.  We will cover the mechanics, adaptation and seating of the appliance and anchorage using intra-oral elastics and interarch springs with the appliance.  We will also discuss the use of the reverse MDA for correction of anterior crossbite or end-on-end occlusion.