Begg Technique Research Articles

The Begg light wire technique and dentofacial development.

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the application of the Begg technique in achieving specific treatment objectives in relation to facial type. Emphasis is placed on both the control of incisor position and the vertical position of the mandible. In order to meet these objectives the site of extractions can be varied, as well as components of the Begg system, such as the use of intermaxillary elastics and arch wire modification. In brachyfacial types with forward mandibular growth rotation, treatment objectives may include incisor intrusion and backwards rotation of the mandible using a non-extraction technique. In contrast, in dolichofacial types with forward mandibular growth rotation, intrusion of incisors and a stable vertical mandibular position may be the primary treatment objectives. In these cases extraction of the four first premolars is usually necessary. The objective is a final tooth position which is in harmony with the facial profile, and compatible with subsequent occlusal maturation.

The Begg light wire technique and dentofacial development

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the application of the Begg technique in achieving specific treatment objectives in relation to facial type. Emphasis is placed on both the control of incisor position and the vertical position of the mandible. In order to meet these objectives the site of extractions can be varied, as well as components of the Begg system, such as the use of intermaxillary elastics and arch wire modification. In brachyfacial types with forward mandibular growth rotation, treatment objectives may include incisor intrusion and backwards rotation of the mandible using a non-extraction technique. In contrast, in dolichofacial types with forward mandibular growth rotation, intrusion of incisors and a stable vertical mandibular position may be the primary treatment objectives. In these cases extraction of the four first premolars is usually necessary. The objective is a final tooth position which is in harmony with the facial profile, and compatible with subsequent occlusal maturation.

Orthodontic cases treated with Begg technique by our members.

Orthodontic cases treated with Begg technique by our members.

A cephalometric comparison between the begg and segmental edgewise orthodontic techniques

A cephalometric comparison between the begg and segmental edgewise orthodontic techniques

Skeletal Changes during the Treatment of Class II/I Malocclusions

Three groups of Class II/I patients were compared where treatment was carried out using Begg, Andresen and removable appliance techniques. Skeletal growth, as assessed by the dimensions S-Me, N-Me, ALFH and Me-Ar did not show any difference between the groups. All three groups showed an apparent improvement in skeletal pattern during treatment.

The anchorage bend in the Begg technique.

The anchorage bend is an essential feature of the Begg technique. The factors which affect the degree of the anchorage bend include operator preferences as well as certain mechanical features of the case being treated. A test jig was constructed so as to be able to measure on the bench the intrusive forces developed by an anchorage bend over the six anterior teeth for a selection of different archwires. The amount of force developed was proportional to the degree of anchorage bend and also to the diameter of the archwire. The jig was modified in order to measure the frictional resistance to distal movement generated by the anchorage bend. The resistance was found to be greater than the usually quoted forces designed to slide the upper archwire distally. An oval tube was placed on to the test jig and doubled back archwires used. A reduction in intrusive force for a particular degree of anchorage bend was seen although frictional resistance was not affected when using doubled back archwires.

Class III malocclusions treated with the Begg technique

Abstract Class III malocclusion is the commonest form of malocclusion requiring treatment in Japan. Three clinical cases are discussed to illustrate the principles of treating Class III malocclusions at particular stages in the development of the occlusion. In the mixed dentition, expansion mechanics allow accommodation of canines and premolars. The second case shows the use of an orthopaedic chin cap appliance during the pubertal growth period followed by fixed appliances to align teeth and form a stable occlusion. The third case illustrates the management of Class III malocclusion in the non-growing adult.

Orthodontic force systems: Individualized treatment with open-minded “Begg” technique

Conventional Begg technique is efficacious for alignment, overbite reduction, and anchorage conservation, but it has a number of deficiencies. Biomechanical systems should be determined by the characteristics of each individual malocclusion, not by habitual application of the same recipe to every patient. Check elastics can increase the bite-opening potency of the appliance, thus permitting control of root movement at any stage. Ribbon arch wires can provide torque control for either bolstering or expending anchorage. Extraoral traction can provide anchorage, control the orientation of the dentition within the face, and simplify and/or shorten treatment in some cases.

The Begg technique in Japan,1961–1979

This article not only describes how the Begg technique has been assimilated in Japan but also discloses improvements that were made to cope with Japanese malocclusions without collapsing the philosophy of the Begg technique's pioneers. Three cases of mandibular protrusion and bimaxillary protrusion, which account for about 50 percent of orthodontic patients in Japan, demonstrate how the Begg technique was applied. Also, some analysis is made of the various problems that are presently being imposed on the Begg technique.

Orthodontic force systems: Technical refinements for increased efficiency

The efficiency of the Begg technique suffers because Class II elastics overwhelm anchor bends, which normally do not yield enough force for vertical control of maxillary incisors. This can be improved by attention to detail and modifications. Bite-opening bends in the arch wires distal to canines and lateral incisors, long (6.5 mm.) mesiogingivally angulated molar tubes, and placement of intermaxillary elastics at the distal ends of the tubes are all helpful. Intermaxillary “check elastics,” having one end over the posterior end of the maxillary arch wire, both strands under the end of the mandibular arch wire, and the other end up to the maxillary anterior teeth, reinforce anchor bends and extrude upper and lower molars while keeping them upright. They augment bite opening in Stage I and counteract the adverse affects of the auxiliaries in Stage III.

Controlled movement of maxillary incisors in the Begg technique

The force system and anchorage used in the Begg technique have an inherent shortcoming in their ability to achieve intrusion of maxillary incisors, which is often indicated in treatment. Furthermore, the round-tripping of the maxillary incisors during their retraction has proven mechanically and biologically disadvantageous. Using the Begg principles, a modified force system was designed, in which Class I elastic traction and strong anchor bends are used, along with a strengthened anchorage unit (transpalatal block anchorage), to achieve controlled and efficient movement of the maxillary incisors.

A Study of Force Decay in Uprighting Springs Used in the Begg Technique

A Study of Force Decay in Uprighting Springs Used in the Begg Technique

Mechanical Analysis of the Begg Torquing Auxiliary

Summary An experimental program was undertaken to evaluate the four-spur torquing auxiliaries used in the Begg technique of orthodontic treatment. A laboratory testing apparatus was specifically designed for torque research; it enables separation of the torque from other incisor force system components. Three wire sizes and two spur angles were studied; lingual root torque and vertical displacements and forces associated with wire/bracket engagement and deactivation of the torquing auxiliary were measured for various angular. positions of the incisors. Twelve specimens for each of six subsamples were prepared and tested; the data were statistically analyzed. Five of six of the auxiliaries tested were capable of sufficient torque to place the incisors at the desired finished angulation. Torsional stiffness of the auxiliary increased with increased wire size, but deactivation rate appears to be independent of spur angle. No auxiliary generated sufficient torque to exceed an average value in an optimum torque range, the value derived systematically and judged to be physiologically acceptable. Lingually-directed holding forces against the incisors were quantified and Class II elastics sizes suggested in relation to torque magnitudes to place incisor centers of rotation at bracket level or slightly occlusal thereto. Activation of lingual root torque with the auxiliary produces a vertical displacement potential in the incisor area; extrusive forces generated without allowance for this phenomenon were found to be of substantial magnitude. Suggestions toward nullifying this undesirable side effect, which is generally magnified by the presence of Class II mechanics, concluded this project.

Upper Incisor Root Resorption during Stage II of the Begg Technique: Two Case Reports

Two cases exhibiting upper incisor apical root resorption when using purely tipping movements with a fixed appliance technique are reported. Possible causes of resorption are discussed, but no definite factor was apparent in these cases.

Treatment results with the Begg technique

Treatment results with the Begg technique

The Effects of Begg Treatment on the Lower Labial Segment in Class II Cases

A report is presented on eleven Class II cases which had been treated by the Begg technique. The cases were analysed from 1 to 3·5 years following retention, with particular emphasis being placed on changes to the lower labial segment. Where relevant, comparisons are made with growth study standards. The use of the lower incisor—Mandibular planes angle (IMPA) is described and criticized and an alternative linear measurement is used to describe changes in the sagittal position of the lower incisors. The results indicate that despite widely held views, it is possible to obtain stable results, following radical alteration to the lower incisor position. There was a trend towards an overall lingual movement of lower incisor apices.

High pull Begg.

Indications for the use of extra-oral traction in conjunction with the Begg technique are presented. Two cases utilizing ‘High Pull’ extra-oral traction are described.

The effect of different extraction sites upon incisor retraction

1. From this study, it was found that in cases treated by the Begg technique one can anticipate greater retraction of the anterior dental units in nonextraction (see article) cases, in both types of premolar extraction cases, and in cases, involving extraction of first molars plus first premolars than would be expected on the basis of root surface area resistance values. 2. There is a likely explanation for this. Molars were maintained upright and allowed to move bodily only while incisors were not only moved bodily but often partially tipped as well. 3. The actual mean anterior retraction in first molar extraction cases exhibited a close approximation to the expected mean anterior retraction values in relation to root surface resistance values. 4. Second premolar extraction is one answer to overretraction and has the added edge of creating even less incisor retraction than second premolar extraction. 5. It was also found that the extraction of premolars alone did not result (see article) in a significant change in the increased eruption of the third molars into functional occlusion. A very significant improvement in the rate of sucessful third molar eruption was found in first molar extraction cases and in cases involving extraction of first molars plus first premolars. 6. The mean ages of the patients in the various treatment categories at the start of treatment were similar enough to each other to suggest that age at the start of treatment had no bearing on the success rate of third molar erup tion. Extraction-site selection seemed to be the dominating factor in successful third molar eruption. 7. It was found that the group of cases that exhibited the least amount of anterior retraction also inhibited the least amount of anterior relapse and, conversely, the group of cases exhibiting the greatest amount of anterior retraction also exhibited the greatest amount of anterior relapse. (see article) 8. The nonextraction cases, with no extraction space to close, were treated in the shortest mean time, while the eight-tooth (first molar plus first premolar) extraction cases having the greatest amount of extraction space required the greatest amount of mean treatment time.9. In conclusion, it can be said that changing the location of the extraction site resulted in a change in relative root surface areas of the opposing anchor units in the anterior and posterior segments. There was a definite and predictable change in the amount of anterior retraction achieved by varying the location of the extraction site. This should be considered in the diagnosis, so that a desired treatment goal for the final position of the incisors within the facial profile can be achieved.

Nonextraction treatment of Class II, Division 1 malocclusion with the Begg technique

Nonextraction treatment of Class II, Division 1 malocclusion with the Begg technique

A vade mecum for the Begg technique: Treatment procedures

A vade mecum for the Begg technique: Treatment procedures