Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Winter 2014 - (Page 58)

Pearls of the Pacific Diastema-Closing Appliance By Dr. Eric Wu, Palo Alto, CA, and Dr. Cheryl Guerrero, 2nd year resident, University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. Edited by Dr. Heesoo Oh. A common problem among retention patients is relapse of a diastema. Maxillary diastemas have a high tendency for relapse, particularly when they are large or there is a family history of diastemas. Treatment of these minor diastemas commonly involves the use of some type of Hawley retainer, with or without finger springs. Is there another option for patients who present with mild relapse of a diastema when all the teeth have good alignment and axial inclination? We have had good success with the Essix diastema-closing appliance in our clinic. They are simple to fabricate, more economical, and capable of closing a small diastema without affecting the rest of the dentition. Fabrication method: 1. Take an impression and use it to fabricate an Essix® retainer. Instruments and materials are shown in Figure 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Section the Essix® retainer at midline and relieve approximately 0.5 to 1.0 mm of the plastic from the edges (depending upon the size of the diastema) to allow the teeth to come together (Figures 2 and 3). Roughen the surface of the plastic with a microetcher or handpiece to increase retention. Bond buttons to the Essix® retainer halves on the teeth adjacent to the ones associated with the diastema (in this case, the lateral incisors) (Figure 4). Attach an elastic (3/16", 4.5 oz.) and criss-cross it across the diastema. This prevents gingival impingement. Figure 1. Instruments and materials for fabrication of a diastema-closing appliance 58 PCSO BULLETIN * WINTER 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Winter 2014

A Clear Message and a Clear Plan
So Much to Share and Celebrate!
Facebook and Orthodontic Practice Marketing
Component Reports
AAOF Report
PCSO At a Glance
Poor Posture = Back and Neck Pain
Resident Spotlight: Roseman University College of Dental Medicine, Postgraduate Orthodontic Program
Younger Member Spotlight: Dr. Mahbod Rashidi
The University of the Pacific’s Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
Dr. Terry McDonald Interviews Dr. Glenn Sameshima
New Technology for a New Office: Cost-Effective and Space-Saving
Case Report Pre-Treatment
Dr. Frank Beglin, PCSO President 2014-2015
Helping Autistic and Special Needs Children
Organization and Innovation are Intertwined
Patient Service: Thinking Outside the Box
Clinical Applications of TADs and Outcome Evaluations with 3-D CBCT Superimposition
Root Resorption
Tips and Tricks from the Trenches
Case Report Post-Treatment
Diastema-Closing Appliance
Dr. David Thomas Lawless

Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Winter 2014