ORTHO BITES Fig. 18 “The key to stability in any orthodontic case is full intercuspation of the premolars.” the upper retainer. This will save you chair acrylic grind-ing time. Ortho Organizers Laboratory (888.851.0533) constructed a maxillary QCM wrap around retainer. The QCM is a great retainer as it has the clear vinyl bow, allowing a more cosmetic look. The vinyl bow is quite durable, and does not fatigue from taking the retainer in an out of the mouth like the metal Hawley retainer. Also the wrap around prevents occlusal interferences so the patient can function and the teeth can continue to settle into an ideal occlusal relationship. Fig. 19 Fig. 20 In August 2010, I banded the second molars, and placed an NPE2 in the upper arch as I needed to bring the right molars more buccally. To prevent the left molars from moving buccally and direct the forces of the NPE2 to the right molars, I instructed the patient to wear two medium 5/16” box elastics on the right (Fig. 18). I also placed a braided .021 x .025 nitinol arch wire (Biotwist – Ortho Organizers) to allow the bite to settle. In December 2010, I placed the patient in .018 x .025 stainless steel sectionals and employed cross arch elastics to fully intercuspate the premolars. The key to stability in any orthodontic case is full intercuspation of the premolars. I placed two quarter-inch light elastics per side, one from upper cuspid to lower first premolar to upper first premolar, and the second from lower second premolar to upper second premolar to lower first molar (Fig. 19). On January 17, 2011, I removed the posterior bands and brackets, temporarily removed the sectionals, and took upper and lower alginate impressions for an upper retainer (Fig. 20). I encourage each of you to always send a lower impression so the laboratory knows how thick to make 20 July/August 2011 JAOS Fig. 21
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society July-August 2011-Buyer's Guide: Page 20
