damon-intheclinic-casestudies-crowdedcases

The following cases graphically demonstrate how facial treatment planning can and should be our primary focus. These patients are obviously very crowded. It is interesting to ask the question, “Why so crowded?.” Are the bones of the mid-face and body of the mandible smaller than normal or has there been an adaptation of the alveolar process to abnormal muscle forces impacting arch development? Early in my career extractions would have been the treatment plan without hesitation. It is exciting to see that more orthodontists around the world are realizing the incredible impact our treatment decisions are having on the maturing profile.

Many orthodontists have been trained to evaluate the patients from head films only. With the improvement in technique and technology, patients can now be treatment planned evaluating the long-term implications on both profile (lateral view) and arch width and facial support (frontal view). It is so critical to design treatment mechanics that do not overpower the biological system.

In viewing these cases, please note that great care has been given to using treatment forces that are just high enough to stimulate cellular activity without overpowering the periodontium and orofacial muscular complex.

If the optimal forces are maintained, the alveolar bone and tissue can be moved with teeth.

This physiologic adaptation is obviously a paradigm shift for most clinicians. The art of clinical orthodontics with the Damon System is to try to match treatment mechanics with the natural low-force systems of the body. The following clinical cases show how very simple mechanics and this low-force system can achieve results that are beneficial to patients, parents, clinicians and staffs.