Minor Tooth Movement について

Abstract

Although the definition of the term "minor tooth movement" has not been clearly established, the description by Drs. A. Geiger and L. Hirschfeld in their Minor Tooth Movement in General Practice that "to move a few teeth slightly to bring them to the proper positions" seems to be most valid. Among the reports made to date on minor tooth movement, some are rather remote from the securing of an ideal occlusion, from the viewpoint of orthodontists. With a view to establishing an overall occlusion with one mouth one unit, through the period from the deciduous to permanent dentitions, in terms of the management of oral health, a method using minor tooth movement to achieve a better occlusion has been described in the present paper. In comparison with the major orthodontic therapy, minor tooth movement generally involves a slight degree of movement of a limited number of teeth. There is therefore a tendency to consider it as a relatively simple operation. Minor tooth movement however has its rightful place in the category of orthodontics. The fundamental principles involved in therapy are the same as for the major orthodontic therapy. An extensive knowledge of diagnosis, tissue reactions of organism, and biomechanics of orthodontic appliances is therefore essential in performing minor tooth movement. Proficiency in techniques is also naturally required. Consequently, advice of orthodontic specialists should be sought and attention must always be given to the new developments in orthodontics. In addition to satisfying the requirements for the operators, patients' understanding and cooperation must be obtained in order to make the therapy a success. For the maintenance of functional occlusion, teeth must be in the physiologically proper positions and the periodontal tissues supporting them must be healthy. For the purpose of achieving such an occlusion, minor tooth movement will be an increasingly necessary therapy in general clinical work in the future. Furthermore, the day will come when it will be one of the clinically required treatments.