Talk to us?

Orthodontics - NEETMDS- courses
NEET MDS Lessons
Orthodontics

Types of Removable Orthodontic Appliances

  1. Functional Appliances:

    • Purpose: Designed to modify the growth of the jaw and improve the relationship between the upper and lower teeth.
    • Examples:
      • Bionator: Encourages forward positioning of the mandible.
      • Frankel Appliance: Used to modify the position of the dental arches and improve facial aesthetics.
  2. Retainers:

    • Purpose: Used to maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment.
    • Types:
      • Hawley Retainer: A custom-made acrylic plate with a wire framework that holds the teeth in position.
      • Essix Retainer: A clear, plastic retainer that fits over the teeth, providing a more aesthetic option.
  3. Space Maintainers:

    • Purpose: Used to hold space for permanent teeth when primary teeth are lost prematurely.
    • Types:
      • Band and Loop: A metal band placed on an adjacent tooth with a loop extending into the space.
      • Distal Shoe: A space maintainer used in the lower arch to maintain space for the first molar.
  4. Aligners:

    • Purpose: Clear plastic trays that gradually move teeth into the desired position.
    • Examples:
      • Invisalign: A popular brand of clear aligners that uses a series of custom-made trays to achieve tooth movement.
  5. Expansion Appliances:

    • Purpose: Used to widen the dental arch, particularly in cases of crossbite or narrow arches.
    • Examples:
      • Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE): A device that applies pressure to the upper molars to widen the maxilla.

Components of Removable Orthodontic Appliances

  • Baseplate: The foundation of the appliance, usually made of acrylic, which holds the other components in place.
  • Active Components: Springs, screws, or other mechanisms that exert forces on the teeth to achieve movement.
  • Retention Components: Clasps or other features that help keep the appliance securely in place during use.
  • Adjustable Parts: Some appliances may have adjustable components to fine-tune the force applied to the teeth.

Indications for Use

  • Correction of Malocclusions: Removable appliances can be used to address various types of malocclusions, including crowding, spacing, and crossbites.
  • Space Maintenance: To hold space for permanent teeth when primary teeth are lost prematurely.
  • Tooth Movement: To move teeth into desired positions, particularly in growing patients.
  • Retention: To maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment.
  • Jaw Relationship Modification: To influence the growth of the jaw and improve the relationship between the dental arches.

Advantages of Removable Orthodontic Appliances

  • Patient Compliance: Patients can remove the appliance for eating, brushing, and social situations, which can improve compliance.
  • Hygiene: Easier to clean compared to fixed appliances, reducing the risk of plaque accumulation and dental caries.
  • Flexibility: Can be adjusted or modified as treatment progresses.
  • Less Discomfort: Generally, removable appliances are less uncomfortable than fixed appliances, especially during initial use.
  • Aesthetic Options: Clear aligners and other aesthetic appliances can be more visually appealing to patients.

Disadvantages of Removable Orthodontic Appliances

  • Compliance Dependent: The effectiveness of removable appliances relies heavily on patient compliance; if not worn as prescribed, treatment may be delayed or ineffective.
  • Limited Force Application: They may not be suitable for complex tooth movements or significant skeletal changes.
  • Adjustment Period: Some patients may experience discomfort or difficulty speaking initially.

Forces Required for Tooth Movements

  1. Tipping:

    • Force Required: 50-75 grams
    • Description: Tipping involves the movement of a tooth around its center of resistance, resulting in a change in the angulation of the tooth.
  2. Bodily Movement:

    • Force Required: 100-150 grams
    • Description: Bodily movement refers to the translation of a tooth in its entirety, moving it in a straight line without tipping.
  3. Intrusion:

    • Force Required: 15-25 grams
    • Description: Intrusion is the movement of a tooth into the alveolar bone, effectively reducing its height in the dental arch.
  4. Extrusion:

    • Force Required: 50-75 grams
    • Description: Extrusion involves the movement of a tooth out of the alveolar bone, increasing its height in the dental arch.
  5. Torquing:

    • Force Required: 50-75 grams
    • Description: Torquing refers to the rotational movement of a tooth around its long axis, affecting the angulation of the tooth in the buccolingual direction.
  6. Uprighting:

    • Force Required: 75-125 grams
    • Description: Uprighting is the movement of a tilted tooth back to its proper vertical position.
  7. Rotation:

    • Force Required: 50-75 grams
    • Description: Rotation involves the movement of a tooth around its long axis, changing its orientation within the dental arch.
  8. Headgear:

    • Force Required: 350-450 grams on each side
    • Duration: Minimum of 12-14 hours per day
    • Description: Headgear is used to control the growth of the maxilla and to correct dental relationships.
  9. Face Mask:

    • Force Required: 1 pound (450 grams) per side
    • Duration: 12-14 hours per day
    • Description: A face mask is used to encourage forward growth of the maxilla in cases of Class III malocclusion.
  10. Chin Cup:

    • Initial Force Required: 150-300 grams per side
    • Subsequent Force Required: 450-700 grams per side (after two months)
    • Duration: 12-14 hours per day
    • Description: A chin cup is used to control the growth of the mandible and improve facial aesthetics.

SEQUENCE OF ERUPTION OF DECIDUOUS TEETH

Upper/Lower   A B D C E 

SEQUENCE OF ERUPTION OF PERMAMENT TEETH 

Upper:   6 1 2 4 3 5 7           Lower:    6 1 2 3 4 5 7   
      
or       6 1 2 4 5 3 7              or  6 1 2 4 3 5 7 
 

ANTHROPOID SPACE / PRIMATE SPACE / SIMIEN’S SPACE  

The space mesial to upper deciduous canine and distal to lower deciduous  canine is characteristically found in primates and hence it is called primate space.  

INCISOR LIABILITY 

When the permanent central incisor erupt, these teeth use up specially all the spaces found in the normal dentition. With the eruption of permanent lateral incisor the space situation becomes tight. In the maxillary arch it is just enough to accommodate but in mandibular arch there is an average 1.6 mm less space available. This difference between the space present and space required is known as incisor liability. 
These conditions overcome by;  

      1. This is a transient condition and extra space comes from slight increase in arch width.   
      2. Slight labial positioning of central and lateral incisor. 
      3. Distal shift of permanent canine.        

      
LEE WAY SPACE (OF NANCE)  

The combined mesiodistal width of the permanent canines and pre molars is usually less that of the deciduous canines and molars. This space is 
called leeway space of Nance.     

Measurement of lee way space: 
 

Is greater in the mandibular arch than in the maxillary arch  It is about 1.8mm [0.9mm on each side of the arch] in the maxillary arch. 
And about 3.4mm [1.7 mm on side of the arch] in the mandibular arch. 
 
Importance:  

 This lee way space allows the mesial movement of lower molar there by correcting flush terminal plane.     
 LWS can be measure with the help of cephalometry.    

FLUSH TERMINAL PLANE (TERMINAL PLANE RELATIONSHIP) 

Mandibular 2nd deciduous molar is usually wider mesio-distally then the maxillary 2nd deciduous molar. This leads to the development of flush terminal plane which falls along the distal surface of upper and lower 2nd deciduous molar. This develops into class I molar relationship. 

Distal step relationship leads to class 2 relationship.
Mesial step relationship mostly leads to class 3 relationship.  

FEATURE OF IDEAL OCCLUSION IN PRIMARY DENTITION 

1. Spacing of anterior teeth. 
2. Primate space is present. 
3. Flush terminal plane is found. 
4. Almost vertical inclination of anterior teeth. 
5. Overbite and overjet varies.  

UGLY DUCKLING STAGE  

Definition:  
Stage of a transient or self correcting malocclusion is seen sometimes is called ugly duck ling stage. 
 
Occurring site: Maxillary incisor region 

Occuring age: 8-9 years of age.  

This situation is seen during the eruption of the permanent canines. As the developing p.c. they displace the roots of lateral incisor mesially this results is transmitting of the force on to the roots of the central incisors which also gets displaced mesially. A resultant distal divergence of the crowns of the two central incisors causes midline spacing.  

This portion of teeth at this stage is compared to that of ugly walk of the duckling and hence it is called Ugly Duckling Stage. 

Described by Broad bent. In this stage children tend to look ugly. Parents are often apprehensive during this stage and consult the dentist.  

Corrects by itself, when canines erupt and the pressure is transferred from the roots to the coronal area of the incisor.  
IMPORTANCE OF 1ST MOLAR
 

1. It is the key tooth to occlusion. 
2.  Angle’s classification is based on this tooth. 
3.  It is the tooth of choice for anchorage. 
4.  Supports occlusion in a vertical direction. 
5.  Loss of this tooth leads to migration of other tooth. 
6.  Helps in opening the bite.   

Lip Bumper

lip bumper is an orthodontic appliance designed to create space in the dental arch by preventing the lips from exerting pressure on the teeth. It is primarily used in growing children and adolescents to manage dental arch development, particularly in cases of crowding or to facilitate the eruption of permanent teeth. The appliance is typically used in the lower arch but can also be adapted for the upper arch.

Indications for Use

  1. Crowding:

    • To create space in the dental arch for the proper alignment of teeth, especially when there is insufficient space for the eruption of permanent teeth.
  2. Anterior Crossbite:

    • To help correct anterior crossbites by allowing the anterior teeth to move into a more favorable position.
  3. Eruption Guidance:

    • To guide the eruption of permanent molars and prevent them from drifting mesially, which can lead to malocclusion.
  4. Preventing Lip Pressure:

    • To reduce the pressure exerted by the lips on the anterior teeth, which can contribute to dental crowding and misalignment.
  5. Space Maintenance:

    • To maintain space in the dental arch after the premature loss of primary teeth.

Design and Features

  • Components:

    • The lip bumper consists of a wire framework that is typically made of stainless steel or other durable materials. It includes:
      • Buccal Tubes: These are attached to the molars to anchor the appliance in place.
      • Arch Wire: A flexible wire that runs along the buccal side of the teeth, providing the necessary space and support.
      • Lip Pad: A soft pad that rests against the lips, preventing them from exerting pressure on the teeth.
  • Customization:

    • The appliance is custom-fitted to the patient’s dental arch to ensure comfort and effectiveness. Adjustments can be made to accommodate changes in the dental arch as treatment progresses.

Mechanism of Action

  • Space Creation:

    • The lip bumper creates space in the dental arch by pushing the anterior teeth backward and allowing the posterior teeth to erupt properly. The lip pad prevents the lips from applying pressure on the anterior teeth, which can help maintain the space created.
  • Guiding Eruption:

    • By maintaining the position of the molars and preventing mesial drift, the lip bumper helps guide the eruption of the permanent molars into their proper positions.
  • Facilitating Growth:

    • The appliance can also promote the growth of the dental arch, allowing for better alignment of the teeth as they erupt.

Untitled 1 Growth and Development

Growth is the increase in size It may also be defined as the normal  change in the amount of living substance. eg. Growth is the quantitative aspect and measures in units of increase per unit of time.

Development

It is the progress towards maturity (Todd). Development may be defined as natural sequential series of events between fertilization of ovum and adult stage.

Maturation

It is a period of stabilization brought by growth and development.

CEPHALOCAUDAL GRADIENT OF GROWTH

This simply means that there is an axis of increased growth extending from the head towards feet. At about 3rd month of intrauterine life the head takes up about 50% of total body length. At this stage cranium is larger relative to face. In contrast the limbs are underdeveloped. 

By the time of birth limbs and trunk have grown faster than head and the entire proportion of the body to the head has increased. These processes of growth continue till adult.  

SCAMMON’S CURVE

In normal growth pattern all the tissue system of the body do not growth at the same rate. Scammon’s curve for growth shows 4 major tissue system of the body;

• Neural

• Lymphoid 

• General: Bone, viscera, muscle.

• Genital

The graph indicates the growth of the neural tissue is complete by 6-7 year of age. General body tissue show an “S” shaped curve with showing of rate during childhood and acceleration at puberty. Lymphoid tissues proliferate to its maximum in late childhood and undergo involution. At the same time growth of the genital tissue accelerate rapidly. 

 

Transpalatal Arch (TPA) is an orthodontic appliance used primarily in the upper arch to provide stability, maintain space, and facilitate tooth movement. It is a fixed appliance that connects the maxillary molars across the palate, and it is commonly used in various orthodontic treatments, particularly in conjunction with other appliances.

Components of the Transpalatal Arch

  1. Main Wire:

    • The TPA consists of a curved wire that spans the palate, typically made of stainless steel or a similar material. The wire is shaped to fit the contour of the palate and is usually 0.036 inches in diameter.
  2. Attachments:

    • The ends of the wire are attached to the bands or brackets on the maxillary molars. These attachments can be soldered or welded to the bands, ensuring a secure connection.
  3. Adjustment Mechanism:

    • Some TPAs may include loops or bends that can be adjusted to apply specific forces to the teeth, allowing for controlled movement.

Functions of the Transpalatal Arch

  1. Stabilization:

    • The TPA provides anchorage and stability to the posterior teeth, preventing unwanted movement during orthodontic treatment. It helps maintain the position of the molars and can prevent them from drifting.
  2. Space Maintenance:

    • The TPA can be used to maintain space in the upper arch, especially after the premature loss of primary molars or in cases of crowding.
  3. Tooth Movement:

    • The appliance can facilitate the movement of teeth, particularly the molars, by applying gentle forces. It can be used to correct crossbites or to expand the arch.
  4. Support for Other Appliances:

    • The TPA can serve as a support structure for other orthodontic appliances, such as expanders or functional appliances, enhancing their effectiveness.

Indications for Use

  • Space Maintenance: To hold space for permanent teeth when primary teeth are lost prematurely.
  • Crossbite Correction: To help correct posterior crossbites by repositioning the molars.
  • Arch Expansion: In conjunction with other appliances, the TPA can assist in expanding the dental arch.
  • Stabilization During Treatment: To provide anchorage and prevent unwanted movement of the molars during orthodontic treatment.

Advantages of the Transpalatal Arch

  1. Fixed Appliance: Being a fixed appliance, the TPA does not require patient compliance, ensuring consistent force application.
  2. Versatility: The TPA can be used in various treatment scenarios, making it a versatile tool in orthodontics.
  3. Minimal Discomfort: Generally, the TPA is well-tolerated by patients and does not cause significant discomfort.

Limitations of the Transpalatal Arch

  1. Limited Movement: The TPA primarily affects the molars and may not be effective for moving anterior teeth.
  2. Adjustment Needs: While the TPA can be adjusted, it may require periodic visits to the orthodontist for modifications.
  3. Oral Hygiene: As with any fixed appliance, maintaining oral hygiene can be more challenging, and patients must be diligent in their oral care.

Steiner's Analysis

Steiner's analysis is a widely recognized cephalometric method used in orthodontics to evaluate the relationships between the skeletal and dental structures of the face. Developed by Dr. Charles A. Steiner in the 1950s, this analysis provides a systematic approach to assess craniofacial morphology and is particularly useful for treatment planning and evaluating the effects of orthodontic treatment.

Key Features of Steiner's Analysis

  1. Reference Planes and Points:

    • Sella (S): The midpoint of the sella turcica, a bony structure in the skull.
    • Nasion (N): The junction of the frontal and nasal bones.
    • A Point (A): The deepest point on the maxillary arch between the anterior nasal spine and the maxillary alveolar process.
    • B Point (B): The deepest point on the mandibular arch between the anterior nasal spine and the mandibular alveolar process.
    • Menton (Me): The lowest point on the symphysis of the mandible.
    • Gnathion (Gn): The midpoint between Menton and Pogonion (the most anterior point on the chin).
    • Pogonion (Pog): The most anterior point on the contour of the chin.
  2. Reference Lines:

    • SN Plane: A line drawn from Sella to Nasion, representing the cranial base.
    • ANB Angle: The angle formed between the lines connecting A Point to Nasion and B Point to Nasion. It indicates the relationship between the maxilla and mandible.
    • Facial Plane (FP): A line drawn from Gonion (Go) to Menton (Me), used to assess the facial profile.
  3. Key Measurements:

    • ANB Angle: Indicates the anteroposterior relationship between the maxilla and mandible.
      • Normal Range: Typically between 2° and 4°.
    • SN-MP Angle: The angle between the SN plane and the mandibular plane (MP), which helps assess the vertical position of the mandible.
      • Normal Range: Usually between 32° and 38°.
    • Wits Appraisal: The distance between the perpendiculars dropped from points A and B to the occlusal plane. It provides insight into the anteroposterior relationship of the dental bases.

Clinical Relevance

  • Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Steiner's analysis helps orthodontists diagnose skeletal discrepancies and plan appropriate treatment strategies. It provides a clear understanding of the patient's craniofacial relationships, which is essential for effective orthodontic intervention.
  • Monitoring Treatment Progress: By comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment cephalometric measurements, orthodontists can evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and make necessary adjustments.
  • Predicting Treatment Outcomes: The analysis aids in predicting the outcomes of orthodontic treatment by assessing the initial skeletal and dental relationships.

Explore by Exams