The controlled arch system: a new method of straightwire treatment.

The "Controlled Arch System", coupled with a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, should produce excellent occlusion and esthetics for your patients from their Mixed Dentition growth period onward. The authors have offered a method of Phase I treatment for children of Mixed Dentition age that can be outlined as follows: 1. Fit maxillary and mandibular Functional Orthopedic appliances to produce whatever transverse expansion of the arches is needed, then distalize the maxillary 6 year molars to a super Class I relation, according the measurements assessed by the Sim Model Analysis. 2. On removal of the Functional Orthopedic appliances, upper and lower Fixed-Removable Lingual Arches are fitted to stabilize teeth and bone. 3. As needed, fit maxillary and mandibular 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 fixed Straightwire appliances with Nickel Titanium wires, utilizing pinched molar hook/stops to establish molar anchorage to level, align and rotate permanent incisors (and lower permanent canines, if erupted). 4. When alignment of the permanent incisors is completed, the FRLAs are left in place as "insurance" appliances to insure that no loss of arch width or arch length occurs. The FRLAs are left in place for up to two years as retainers. 5. Be sure to inform parents and patients that Phase II comprehensive fixed Straightwire treatment is almost certain to be needed during adolescence when the 28 permanent teeth have erupted. 6. Use of this "Controlled Arch System" not only simplifies and shortens the duration of orthodontic treatment, but also can dramatically lower the percentage of extraction cases in an orthodontic practice.