An Introduction to the Kingston Approach to Edgewise Treatment

Abstract

The opening of a new Orthodontic Department at Kingston Hospital in September 1972 gave the opportunity of trying to develop orthodontic appliance systems which would cope with the high percentage of severe malocclusion that is referred. The edgewise appliance has played a central part in many treatments. This particular variant of the appliance has evolved largely from the teaching of the Tweed Foundation, but has been refined and simplified as the result of experience. The first part of the paper demonstrates the separate mechanical parts of the system. The second part contains a discussion of treatment aims and shows two cases to briefly illustrate how the separate parts may be integrated together. An attempt is made to show that the edgewise appliance is a straightforward flexible and evolving technique which can, if necessary, be blended with other appliance systems and changing diagnostic concepts.