Comprehensive Orthodontic Education-Session 4

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.

Just like Session Four in the classroom program, Session Four of the online program is completely didactic and does not involve hands-on treatment mechanic projects. 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 and complete the written evaluation for that section. 

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 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. Session 3 added to our mechanics by addressing single tooth crossbites, cuspid retraction, individual root torque, anterior retraction, impacted cuspids, finishing mechanics and retention. 

Session 4 of the comprehensive program is dedicated solely to interceptive, Phase I, early treatment.  During this segment of the program we will be discussing the indications for Interceptive Phase I treatment. We begin by detailing for you some of our guidelines for intervening with Phase 1 treatment, when to treat, what type of treatment we would recommend and give you some direction on treatment timing and sequencing.  Treatment intervention in the mixed dentition is recommended for these scenarios:

• Premature loss of deciduous teeth resulting in loss of arch length
• Constricted Arches – Lack of nasal breathing - Myobrace
• Moderate to severe crowding of the permanent incisors
• Excessive overjet
• Anterior or Posterior crossbite and
• Class III skeletal patterns
• Oral Habits – Myofunctional Concerns
• Opportunity to Prepare the Arches for an Option I Treatment Plan
• Serial guidance for the eruption of the Permanent teeth
• Eliminate the Concerns of Parents
•  
• We refer to this as our treatment Option 5. Our objective for Phase 1 treatment is to intervene, fix the problem and get out.  We estimate a treatment time of 6 to 12 months depending on the severity of the problem. Now, if this is an orofacial issue, with a habit or lack of nasal breathing, treatment could extend long after the dental orthodontic correction is made. 
• Treating with several different mechanics, our objective is to fix the problem and restore the dentition so a normal exfoliation and eruption pattern can take place and provide a normal environment for proper function of the entire stomatognathic system. If the permanent teeth are crowded and blocked out, or if the individual has lost space, we need to create space for the crowding and the lost space needs to be regained.  We need to address anything that is wrong that could be more easily treated at this time rather than waiting for a full comprehensive treatment when they’re 11 to 12 years old.