Course Description
This far-reaching presentation will encompass facial esthetics, Class II combination therapy, the butterfly system, crossbite corrections, Monkey Hooks, Kilroy Springs, Class II mechanics, distal jet, Invisalign, minis-crews, as well as demineralization stains. These topics and more will be covered in vignettes spread throughout the morning and afternoon. Dr. Bowman will impart details from his experiences to help you determine hype from functionality.

Much Ado about Facial Esthetics: More Than Lip Service for the Orthodontic Controversies of Extraction, Expansion, and Early Treatment

     Orthodontic treatment “philosophies” and appliance fashions have come and gone as rapidly as fads in the garment industry.  Treatments featuring non-extraction, 2-stage, and arch development have again become de rigueur, but not because of convincing evidence of superiority, but rather due to clever, enthusiastic promotion combined with a relentless defamation of extraction treatments.  Although orthodontists often wish to extract, they may instead relent for fear of reprisals, either in the form of lost referrals or persecution on social media, and in the print and television media.  Anecdotal examples of untoward results, punctuated by emotional claims, are much more common than conventional reports featuring data, logic, and a respect for reason.  As a result, it often is argued that only non-extraction treatment (early and often or with braces claimed to have unusual properties) will provide a “full, pleasing profile,” wide smiles without “dark corners,” and reduced risk of death by diminished airway.  Making a claim is easy, producing evidence is not.  Dr. Bowman will discuss the impact of both extraction and non-extraction strategies, based on a comprehensive exploration of the scientific literature, to provide evidence-based guidance in this contentious issue.

Uno, Dos, Tres: All Screws in One Place. One Concept for Three Angle Classes

     With the advantage of hindsight, when examining treatments involving the use of mini-screw anchorage, it appears in a parallax view that moving from buccal interradicular insertion of mini-screws to the palate often affords more reliability and versatility for orthodontic biomechanics.  Specifically, one palatal insertion site for mini-screws, combined with simple laboratory modifications of transpalatal arches can be employed as anchorage to assist in the correction of a wide variety of malocclusions.

Drastic Plastic: Strategies to Improve the Predictability of Clear Aligners

     As the limitations of clear aligner treatments have been identified, conceptualizing techniques and devices to improve the predictability in producing desired results has been the next logical step.  A variety of concepts, methods, and adjuncts have subsequently been introduced to enhance the efficacy and effectiveness of clear aligners.  Consequently, the scope of biomechanics and type of malocclusions that can be more predictably treated has increased.  As one example, the inclusion of mini-screw temporary skeletal anchorage has permitted the addition of direct and indirect anchorage to support and control more predictable programmed tooth movements with aligners.  In addition, specific instruments have also been developed to facilitate the individualization of aligners to apply specific forces.*

*The speaker has a financial interest in devices developed for use with clear aligners.