Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Spring 2015 - (Page 50)

Pearls of the Pacific SECTIONAL MECHANICS FOR CLASS II CORRECTION by Dr. David Harnick, Albuquerque, New Mexico R ecently, we've seen the introduction of a number of fixed inter-arch devices for correcting Class II malocclusions, including the Forsus™ and Class II corrector. Still, Class II elastics tend to be the clinician's preferred method for resolving a Class II buccal malocclusion during appliance therapy. However, long-term Class II elastic wear can, at times, produce undesirable side effects. To maximize the efficiency of Class II correction and simultaneously minimize the side effects of Class II elastics, sectional mechanics can be employed in the maxillary arch in lieu of continuous archwires. By dividing the maxillary arch into anterior and buccal segments, undesirable extrusion and lingual tipping of the maxillary incisors can be avoided. In addition, by reducing the number of teeth that need to be distalized from the entire maxillary dentition to just the maxillary posterior teeth, this not only facilitates and expedites Class II correction, but also leads to less proclination of the mandibular incisors as the anchorage load in the mandibulararch is minimized. 1. Procedure: 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 50 Level and align the maxillary and mandibular arches. Place 0.019" x 0.025" SS archwire in both arches for one month. Use Class II elastics normally. If Class II progress is nonexistent or slow: Section the maxillary archwire (0.019" x 0.025" SS archwire) between the lateral incisor and canine bilaterally. If treating a unilateral Class II case, section the maxillary archwire on the Class II side only (Figure 1). Lace together the maxillary incisors to prevent spacing. Instruct regarding full-time wearing of Class II elastic. After the Class II correction, a vertical discrepancy between the canine and incisor and some spacing are usually observed (Figure 2). Realign and close residual spaces by backing up with Class II elastics (Figure 3). PCSO BULLETIN * SPRING 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Spring 2015

The Whole is Greater Than Its Parts
The Land of Opportunity
Donated Orthodontic Services Program — AAO-DOS
Trustee Report
AAO Council on Scientific Affairs (COSA) Report
Component Reports
AAOF Report
AAO Leaders Complete Terms in San Francisco: The End of an Era for PCSO
Preparing for the Unexpected: Your Emotional SOS Plan Part I
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Mona Afrand, Orthodontic Resident, University of Alberta Department of Orthodontics; Younger Member Spotlight: Dr. Mostafa Altalibi, Calgary, Canada
PCSO At A Glance
The AEODO Research Data Portal: Restructuring Workflow
The Aveolar Bone Housing — The Orthodontist’s World
Case Report Pre-Treatment
Smile and Appliance Esthetics — New Understandings
How to Remember Names and Places: A Dale Carnegie Program
The Latest Trends in Orthodontic Treatment: Part I
Training and Giving Feedback to The Clinical Staff to Ensure a Well-Tuned Team
Treatment Possibilities with Invisalign®
Class III Treatment: Timing and Protocol
Orthodontics: The Key to Successful Interdisciplinary Treatment
CBCT: Assessment of Anatomical Boundary Conditions Important to Orthodontists
Case Report Post-Treatment
Sectional Mechanics for Class II Correction
Dr. Donald Poulton

Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Spring 2015