As May arrives, the orthodontic world turns its attention to one of the twelve North American cities handpicked to host the specialty’s biggest event—which brings together between 15,000 and 20,000 people, including orthodontists and their staff. That’s right, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) congress is undoubtedly the biggest and best annual event in orthodontics. Because of this scale, only places with large convention centers can accommodate this impressive number of...

Throughout his career, Professor George Anka has made significant contributions to orthodontics in Japan and around the world. Among his scientific contributions, I would like to highlight the fact that he is credited with creating the term Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs). This name proposed by Dr. Anka is currently used to refer to the mini-implants used in bone-anchored mechanics in orthodontic treatments. Recommendations regarding the characteristics and shapes of current orthodontic...

Introduction: Late mandibular growth can cause asymmetries, which are especially frequent in Class III malocclusions. Compensatory orthodontic treatment of an asymmetry should be indicated in cases in which there is an alveolar process that allows the teeth to be positioned in such a way as to correct the malocclusion and function. However, the patient should be warned about the possible final aesthetic limitations. Extra-alveolar miniscrews in the buccal shelf (BS) can be used as anchorage in...

Introduction: Dental anterior crossbite is a malocclusion that is often diagnosed in the mixed dentition, and requires early intervention. Objective: This article presents three case reports with this malocclusion in the mixed dentition, treated using removable appliances with digital springs. Conclusion: The conservative alternative of using removable appliances with digital springs has good predictability, low cost, easy fabrication and installation, and excellent efficiency. All cases...

Introduction: Most orthodontic patients need an aesthetic procedure to improve their smile, assist in finalization, and contribute to function. Therefore, it is important to know the ideal time to perform aesthetic procedures in the orthodontic treatment: before, during or after. Objectives: In the present article, the reasons that justify the choice of aesthetic procedures at different moments of orthodontic treatment will be discussed. The study will be illustrated with different types of...

Objective: This article shows the importance of three-dimensional planning when choosing between the Manhães Bar, Articulated Manhães Bar and Manhães Bordallo Lingual Arch appliances, in the treatment of Class III malocclusion associated to rapid maxillary expansion (Hybrid Hyrax). Methods: We emphasized some important points, such as the height of the bone crest and the space between the roots; the installation of mini-implants without damaging the periodontal ligament; presence of...

Introduction: As important as the pre-expansion evaluation, understanding the surgical technique is a fundamental requirement for the success of orthopedic maxillary expansion in adults. Objective: This article, the second part of a trilogy on maxillary expansion in adults, aimed to address in detail the main techniques for maxillary orthopedic expansion in adults. Methods: SARPE, MARPE and TS-SARPE techniques are described in detail, from anesthetic procedures to the possible complications....

Objective: The purpose of this study was to present the possibility of a safety protocol for installing the miniscrews of the MARPE C-expander appliance, using a prototyped guide, with the intention of facilitating the technique, with more precise insertion of the miniscrews, minimizing errors and encouraging the use of the appliance by the orthodontist with greater safety. Its use will be illustrated with a clinical case in an adult patient with bilateral posterior crossbite. Methods: To...

Introduction: Anterior crossbite is an anteroposterior malocclusion that causes aesthetic and functional impacts on the patient. Among many treatment possibilities, the use of skeletal anchorage for maxillary protraction is an option, especially in cases where growth does not allow the use of less invasive therapies. Objective: To report the clinical case of a patient with anterior crossbite treated with skeletal anchorage. Case report: After clinical examination, facial analysis, and...

Introduction: In the buccal region of the mandibular incisors, active forces resulting from orthodontic retention are added to those generated by occlusal interference induced by unwanted movement. Objective: To provide a theoretical discussion of the alterations caused, in order to characterize a very specific picture of this region. Methods: Microscopic observations of experimentally moved teeth were used, combined with experience of clinical cases that offered difficulties in clinical...