Summary of Dr Elie’s research regarding space closure mechanics for missing upper lateral incisors
Patients with missing upper lateral incisors usually have hypoplastic maxilla
Clinical trial investigating mechanics to advance maxilla and close space
- P: Class 1 / class 3 cases, non-extraction lower arch
- I: Fixed appliances to close space in the upper arch
- C: Nil
- O: Maxillary advancement and inclination change in the upper arch
Method
- TADs in lower 3-4 region
- Class 3 elastics from TAD to upper 7s
Results
- Advancement of maxilla, SNA increase by 1.3o
- No changes to upper incisor inclination
- Mesial movement of upper molars 5mm
Conclusion
- Using treatment protocol, it is possible to advance the maxilla and close space for missing upper lateral incisors
Critique
Side affects of counter clockwise rotation of maxilla