Occlusion: an orthodontic perspective.

In recent years, orthodontists have examined their concepts of occlusion. In current literature, at professional meetings, and in continuing education courses, one hears an ongoing discussion of condylar position and mandibular border movements in relation to occlusion. There is a wide variation in opinion as to whether dental occlusion and TMJ function are interdependent. The authors have adopted a dynamic concept of dental function to replace the traditional static view of molar relationship and incisor overlap. This article discusses how occlusion has evolved in orthodontics and reviews Andrews' six keys to ideal static occlusion, the goals of ideal dynamic occlusion, and the six signs of developing malocclusions. The authors also review the literature on the relationship between orthodontics, occlusion, and TMD.

A new approach to indirect bonding using light-cure composites.

Indirect bonding offers many advantages over direct bonding. The ability to better visualize teeth for proper bracket placement and reduced chair time leads to a less stressful bonding experience for the orthodontist. Conventional approaches to indirect bonding have relied on transfer trays made of materials that are not transparent. After these trays are placed on teeth, one cannot ensure proper seating of the tray and, because of their opaque nature, the orthodontist must use self-cure composites that are very difficult to remove around the brackets after the tray is removed. A new approach has been proposed in this article, which significantly modifies the fabrication of the indirect bonding transfer tray and provides direct visualization and access to the brackets during both the laboratory and clinical stages of the procedure. Furthermore, the orthodontist may use light-cure composite resins, clean off excess composite around the brackets, and apply light curing when fully satisfied with bracket position and hygiene.