Comprehensive Orthodontic Education-Session 3

Each session of our online Comprehensive 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 utilizing 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 built on that foundation by adding mechanics that included our 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.  In Session 3 we will add to our mechanics by addressing single tooth crossbites, cuspid retraction, individual root torque, anterior retraction, impacted cuspids, finishing mechanics and retention.  Along with each of the techniques, numerous case presentations can be viewed that illustrate all of the mechanics that are discussed.  

Session III mechanics emphasize case finishing techniques and include procedures that should be completed in the rectangular wire sequence.  Some of these procedures are individual root torque and cuspid retraction with pletcher springs in the .016 x .022, anterior retraction, posterior labial root torque, final bite opening with anterior lingual root torque in the .018 x .025 and then the many uses of the .019 x .025 braided archwire as a finishing wire and fine tuning after bracket repositioning.

The NPE is a multi-functional appliance that has the capacity to rotate, upright, distalize and expand the anterior and posterior arches with gentle biocompatible force.  It can be used in the mixed dentition as well as the permanent dentition. We will detail the use of the NPE for anchorage for class III elastics, for arch development through lateral expansion, and in the final stages of treatment for the development of buccal root torque in the upper molars as well as a simplified technique for final buccal root torque in the posterior quadrants.  As we discuss the uses of the NPE we will also present our cases treated with the appliance.

We will introduce treatment using the lip bumper to distalize, upright and rotate molars and treatment with the lip bumper acting as a functional appliance to remove lip pressure, and treatment to correct molar relationships. The lip bumper does an excellent job of developing or expanding the lower arch and is ideal in mixed dentition cases.

We will explain the use of a .032 multi-strand wire to form a bonded lower retainer.  Bonded retainers have advantages compared to the conventional removable retainers in that they are invisible from the front, require less patient cooperation, and provide long-term or even permanent retention more safely and more predictably than removable plates or all-wire retainers. 

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 learn the mechanics, indications for use, application, sizing and seating of the NPE and Lip Bumper appliances.  We will teach you the proper adaptation and placement of the bonded lower lingual retainer using both direct and indirect methods.  The clinical adaptation of the wire will include step-in bends, step-out bends, and offset bends.  You will have the opportunity to practice all of these techniques with hands-on projects.