For patients whose orthodontic problems are so severe that neither growth modification nor camouflage offers a solution, surgery to realign the jaws or reposition dentoalveolar segments is the only possible treatment. Surgery is not a substitute for orthodontics in these patients. Instead, it must be properly coordinated with orthodontics and other dental treatments to achieve good overall results. Dramatic progress in recent years has made it possible for combined surgical orthodontic treatment to be carried out successfully for patients with a severe dentofacial problem of any type. This case report provides an overview of the current treatment methodology in managing a combination of asymmetrical mandibular prognathism and vertical maxillary excess.
The combination of proclined upper anteriors with high gingival exposure is challenging for the orthodontist. Correction of proclined upper anteriors sometimes leads to deepening of the bite and loss of posterior anchorage resulting in worsening of gingival exposure. Routinely correction of high gingival exposure was done prior to space closure resulting in increased treatment duration. However, application of sound biomechanical strategies can help us overcome these challenges without compromising treatment time. This presentation will describe the meticulous orthodontic biomechanics using a 3-piece intrusion arch to simultaneously correct excessive gingival exposure as well as accomplish space closure. The patient presented with Class I malocclusion with proclined upper anterior teeth, crowding in upper and lower arches and an excessive gingival exposure. Fixed orthodontic therapy was initiated with first premolar extractions and the primary strategies after correcting of the crowding was the effective use of a 3-piece intrusion arch for simultaneous intrusion and retraction of proclined anterior teeth. Biomechanics strategies utilizing the 3 piece intrusion arch effectively aided in closure of spaces, correction of high gingival exposure, intrusion of the upper anteriors and controlling posterior anchorage. All desired treatment outcomes were achieved without prolonging treatment time. Proper biomechanics strategies can effectively bring about true intrusion of the upper anteriors as well as correct the upper incisor proclination without prolonging treatment time. The use of threepiece intrusion arch to achieve orthodontic correction assures the attainment of predictable treatment results. Loss of anchorage is seldom observed because of the tip back moment on the posterior teeth. Another advantage of intrusion mechanics is the control of the vertical dimension.
Orthodontic tooth movement is brought about by the biomechanical utilization of the physiological mechanisms for bone remodeling in order to achieve optimal occlusion and thereby maximize the esthetic outcome. Distraction osteogenesis is a biomechanical process of bone tissue formation, where the distraction forces which act between the bone segments effect the biological potential of the bone. Though initially used in long bones, through the past years the technique has undergone significant advancements and innovations, that it has had increasing applications in the facial skeleton. The gradual evolution of compact internal appliances has lately led to the use of this concept in the field of orthodontics for moving tooth segments rapidly for an accelerated treatment outcome, and for novel modalities in the treatment of ankylosed teeth. This article is presented under the light of current literature to review the history, evolution and role of distraction in contemporary orthodontics.
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