Nonextraction Class II, Division 2 treatment

Abstract

The final evaluation of all orthodontic treatment depends on successful retention and on how well the teeth retain their new positions several years after the retainers have been removed. To assure stability in this type of case, the mandibular posterior teeth were uprighted to be parallel with the muscles of mastication, thus reducing any mesial forces which would again crowd the anterior teeth.The correction of the interincisal angle to 128 degrees provided an incisal stop to prevent the deep overbite from recurring in the anterior region. The patient was instructed to swallow with a normal tongue position. The correction of the lateral tongue thrust prevented the recurrence of a deep curve of Spee. To eliminate the lateral tongue thrust, the posterior teeth were extruded to close the excess freeway space, but not so far as to encroach on the normal freeway space. The tongue was thus prevented from coming between the posterior occusal surfaces during deglutition.All of these factors contributed to the stabilization of the dentition. Uprighting the posterior teeth and proper torquing of the incisors permitted treatment to be accomplished without extraction of the premolars without causing a “dishing” of the face.