ORTHOBITES Fig. 13 Fig. 15 pated. I further explained it would be in his interest to continue on into phase II and complete his orthodon-tic care. When I find myself in this situation, I always employ the “Dead Green Presidents” option. I explained that if I took everything off, placed a lower lingual, and then had to replace bands and brackets a few months later, the cost would be double vs. contin-uing with orthodontic care and finishing the case. I explained to the parents they would save over $2,000 as I will simply continue treatment for the same cost as phase I. I have yet to be turned down with this offer. In March, 2010 we bracketed the posterior teeth and placed a .014 Nitinol Arch wire (Fig. 9). Over the next year, we proceeded with a straight wire series, opening the bite further with .020 SS AC/RC , on into .16 x .22 SS with power chain from 6-6 to tighten contacts, and then in .18 x .25 SS to allow periodontal ligaments to settle (Figs. 10 & 11). In early December, 2011, the patient was placed in .018 x .025 SS segmental with cross arch elastics to sock in the premolars and stabilize the occlusion (Fig. 12). Two weeks later, all orthodontic appliances were removed, complete final records were taken and retainers were delivered (Figs. 13, 14, & 15). Several Fig. 14 Fig. 16 www.orthodontics.com July/August 2012 63
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society July-August 2012 Buyer's Guide: Page 63
