In recent years, a great deal of misinformation has been presented in the name of continuing education. Misrepresentation of credentials, emperical or anecdotal support for clinical procedures, functional appliance utilization — often without any biological basis — as well as misunderstood dento-legal allegations. All have been used to promote orthodontic procedures or appliances within the non-specialty practice of orthodontics.

Dramatic and sweeping changes have taken place in dentistry during the past quarter century. Biologic discoveries, technical advancements, public health concerns, political and economic influences on our healthcare delivery systems, and the virtual elimination of the disease our profession was created to treat (dental caries), have caused a radical metamorphosis in the practice of dentistry. Along with these changes have come controversy.

It's time you heard the truth! If you are presently practicing orthodontics or intend to incorporate it into your practice, you owe it to yourself — and your patients — to find out the truth and separate the "fact" from "fiction."

 

Fiction: Bicuspid extractions cause "dishing in" of the face
Fact: Facial growth and development and genetic potential affect the face more than any other internal or external factor

 

Fiction: Never take out bicuspids. Second molar extraction is a viable alternative to extraction in lower arch crowding and will avoid "dishing-in" of the face
Fact: The extraction of lower second molars is ineffective and leads to unpredictable third molar positions

 

Fiction: Bicuspid extractions cause TMJ dysfunction
Fact: No correlation or scientific evidence has ever been shown between TMJ dysfunction and bicuspid extractions

 

Fiction: Mandibular arch form can be developed to alleviate crowding of the lower arch
Fact: Nothing in the facial region is as stable, unalterable, and predictable as the patient's mandibular arch form

 

Fiction: Functional orthopedic appliances make the mandible grow
Fact: These appliances work, and work well, but primarily through dentoalveolar modification

 

Upon completion of this course, you will:

  • Understand the impact of proper diagnosis and treatment planning on facial balance
  • Recognize the "non-factor" effect of bicuspid extractions on facial esthetics
  • Observe the long-term immultability of mandibular arch form
  • Understand the way functional appliances "work" and their effect on mandibular growth
  • Observe the "real" results of second molar extraction therapy, a treatment used in Europe 30 years ago when modern orthodontic options were not available. You will see why this technique has been abandoned by the people who developed it.

 

Course highlights:

  • Facial growth/facial esthetics: The interdependent relationship
  • Controversies in orthodontics:
  • Extraction/non-extraction treatment and its effect on the face and the temporomandibular joint
  • The "not-so-great" second molar debate
  • The reality of arch development
  • Functional jaw orthopedics: The truth

 

Instructor: Dr. Richard Litt

 

Tuition:

$150.00 per Dentist. $50.00 for accompanying Staff. Tuition is to be paid in the currency of the country in which you practice.

 

C.E. Credit: 6 hours

 

There are no "Sweeping Away the Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction in Orthodontics" courses scheduled at this time.

© 2007 - Faculté for Orthodontic Research and Continuing Education, Inc. (F.O.R.C.E., Int.)
Richard A. Litt, D.D.S., M.S. - Director/President
www.forceint.com