Course Faculty:
Chris Chang
Course Description
In recent years, Clear Aligner Treatment (CAT) has witnessed remarkable growth in both patient ac- ceptance and clinical effectiveness. This expanding landscape has created unprecedented opportunities
to address increasingly complex orthodontic cases with CAT. However, in cases involving less predictable tooth movement, the need for supplementary auxiliaries and pre-aligner treatment procedures becomes apparent.
This lecture series is designed to empower clinicians by providing insights into the assessment of whether a pre-aligner phase of orthodontic treatment is neces- sary. Furthermore, it delves into the strategic design of key mechanics during this phase to streamline and en- hance the subsequent aligner treatment process.
Learning Objectives:
Clear aligner mechanics for the treatment of each of the orthodontic case types
• Evaluate the necessity of incorporating pre-aligner orthodontic procedures.
• Examine essential components of pre-aligner ortho- dontic treatment.
• Explore the integration of Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) into aligner mechanics to optimize treatment outcomes.
Module 1: Pre-aligner orthodontics
February 24, 2024 (5:30-7:00 PM Pacific time): Pre-aligner orthodontics
( Live web lecture + Q&A )
Aligner treatment has seen a tremendous growth in patient acceptance and clinical efficacy in recent years. However, there are still certain limitations on patients’ eligibility for aligner treatment. In this presentation, several treatment strategies and orthodontic auxilia- ries are proposed, including but no limited to, TADs, segmental braces, minor surgeries and bite plates, that can turn cases from unqualified to qualified and/or drastically reduce treatment complexity.
Module 2: Class II mechanics for aligner treatment
March 16, 2024 (5:30-7:00 PM Pacific time): Class II mechanics for aligners
( Live web lecture + Q&A)
A thorough and accurate diagnosis of a Class II maloc- clusion is essential before discussing the mechanics for aligner treatment. In addition, the mandibular growth potential is key in determining the appropriate Class
II mechanics of choice. In this lecture 4 types of Class
II mechanics designs, including Class II elastics, IZC screws, mandibular advancement(MA) devices and MA with IZC screws will be presented to help clinicians create a reasonable treatment plan.
Module 3: Class III mechanics for aligner treatment
April 20, 2024 (5:30-7:00 PM Pacific time): Class III mechanics for aligners
( Live web lecture + Q&A )
Conservative camouflage Class III treatment is a widely accepted alternative for patients who prefer a non-surgical correction. Extra-alveolar TSADs can provide absolute anchorage during tooth movement, and when combined with aligners, sequential distalization can be utilized to correct Class III malocclusion. Class III elastics and attachments are also important auxiliaries to overcome common side-effects.
Module 4: Aligners and 4 minor surgeries in daily orthodontic practice Part I
May 11, 2024 (5:30-7:00 PM Pacific time): Aligners & 4 minor surgeries.
Part I ( Live web lecture + Q&A )
Module 5: Aligners and 4 minor surgeries in daily orthodontic practice Part II
June 22, 2024 (5:30-7:00 PM Pacific time): Aligners & 4 minor surgeries.
Part II ( Live web lecture + Q&A )
Results of aligner treatment can be significantly enhanced when combined with minor chair side surgeries, including gingivectomy (esthetics), crown lengthening procedures(gummy smile correction), open-window technique(palatal impaction), and VISTA(upper labial impaction). These surgical tech- niques are simple to learn and easy to execute. You can instantly take your aligner results to the next level by mastering these chair side surgeries. This is a topic every aligner practitioner shouldn’t miss.
Module 6: Aligner mechanics
July 20, 2024 (5:30-7:00 PM Pacific time): Aligner mechanics ( Live web lecture + Q&A )
In addition to precise diagnosis and reasonable treat- ment planning, mechanic design is the most crucial step in order to execute the plan and achieve excellent clinical results. Three keys in mechanic design include selecting the types of tooth movement, determining their individual sequence and finally controlling their speed during the treatment process, all of which must be well-defined in the digital simulation program prior to the start of treatment. This presentation will guide you to accurately predict and control tooth movement. Mastering these three keys should be and will be the pinnacle of your aligner learning journey.