Advanced biomechanics for total arch movement and non-surgical treatment for hyperdivergent faces

Abstract

In contrast to conventional biomechanical concepts in orthodontics where a segment of teeth has been the target of orthodontic movement, current technology enables predictable displacement of the whole arch, mainly based on the relationship between the center of resistance of entire dental arch and the location of the force vector. Alveolar interradicular miniscrews produce a highly constant linear force vector that would eventually displace a large segment, i.e., the entire dental arch.

The clinical implication of the so-called ‘total arch movement’ includes efficient tooth movement without round-tripping during treatment, compliance-free treatment and higher possibility of non-surgical and/or non-extraction treatment in non-growing subjects. Substantial biomechanics including the location of the center of resistance of the entire arch and simulated dental arch displacement according to the position of the force vector, provide the theoretical basis for possible movement of the entire dentition in three dimensions, represented as total arch rotation, distalization and intrusion. In particular, total arch intrusion can be useful for the improvement of profile in hyperdivergent face.

This article provides with biomechanical backgrounds and clinical applications of total arch movement for effective camouflage of dental and skeletal discrepancies.