Synchronous straight-wire part 2: application

Abstract

Synchronous Straight-Wire (SSW) is the trademark of the authors Charles Cole and Jon Hammond. In part one the SSW technique was introduced, the reasons for its development were explained and the theory outlined. The aim of this second paper is to demonstrate the SSW technique. A case is presented to demonstrate the technique, all aspects of the malocclusion being addressed concurrently. The case is then treated in 11 visits, reducing the PAR score from 38 to 0, giving a Treatment Efficiency Index (TEI) of 3.45. The conclusions that can be drawn are that the technique offers a more efficient means of undertaking fixed appliance treatments and highlights the advantages of pre-programming the entire appliance and using a coherent mechanism to facilitate 3-dimensional movements. Clinical Relevance: This paper demonstrates a means of organizing simultaneous treatment events by synchronizing, rather than sequencing, tooth movement, thereby giving greater efficiency than other techniques. It requires a radically different approach to treatment mechanics and a fundamental shift in thinking.