The top three strengths of self-ligation systems include their excellent abilities to facilitate arch expansion and de-crowding, and correct sagittal problems, whether it's a Class II malocclusion involving a large overjet or a Class III case with a significant negative overjet. With the combined use of self-ligation systems, elastics and bite turbos, clinicians can take advantage of their friction-free mechanics to swiftly resolve sagittal problems. Detailed case demonstrations will be featured in this lecture to illustrate the treatment principles and practical techniques in order to maximize the power of self-ligation systems.

Pass self-ligation system combined with routine extraction protocols are effective in treating common malocclusions including crowding, Class II or camouflage Class III treatment with TADs. However, in some challenging cases these winning combination fail to achieve excellent results due to critical variations. In this talk a careful analysis of extraction patterns and corresponding mechanics will be presented to help clinicians decide on the most ideal extraction strategy for your case.

A thorough and accurate diagnosis of a Class II malocclusion is essential before discussing the mechanics for aligner treatment. In addition, the mandibular growth potential is key in determining the appropriate Class II mechanics of choice. In this lecture 4 types of Class II mechanics designs, including Class II elastics, IZC screws, mandibular advancement(MA) devices and MA with IZC screws will be presented to help clinicians create a reasonable treatment plan.

Conservative camouflage Class III treatment is a widely accepted alternative for patients who prefer a non-surgical correction. Extra-alveolar TSADs can provide absolute anchorage during tooth movement, and when combined with aligners, sequential distalization can be utilized to correct Class III malocclusion. Class III elastics and attachments are also important auxiliaries to overcome common side-effects.

Results of aligner treatment can be significantly enhanced when combined with minor chair side surgeries, including gingivectomy (esthetics), crown lengthening procedures(gummy smile correction), open-window technique(palatal impaction), and VISTA(upper labial impaction). These surgical techniques are simple to learn and easy to execute. You can instantly take your aligner results to the next level by mastering these chair side surgeries. This is a topic every aligner practitioner shouldn't miss.