To Expand or Not Expand? That is the question!

In an era of ever-increasing needs for palate expansion, what are some metrics we can use to better identify cases which may or may not benefit from these treatments? How do we identify which problems are primarily skeletal in nature versus purely dental? And lastly, what dental impacts do we see in these cases? This course will discuss a rationale and simple method transverse analysis that can be used by orthodontists and general dentists alike to better diagnose possible transverse concerns in their patients!

Skeletal Development and its Affect on Occlusion

Much has been said regarding designing the proper smile arc and occlusion for restorative treatment. However one of the most influential, oft overlooked, and least understood factors in anterior esthetics and incisor display is the underlying skeletal pattern. Most often, the skeletal pattern plays an integral role in all aspects of the smile including incisal display, smile arc and contour, anterior cants, and anterior occlusion. This lecture hopes to elucidate the finer points of how one’s skeletal pattern can influence the way our occlusions develop and the challenges that may be associated with them

This is a lecture targeted more to restorative dentists with decent understanding of occlusion. It seeks to "fill in the gaps" and talk about the skeletal patterns underneath the surface as it pertains to dental occlusions

Understanding Interproximal Reduction (IPR)

We have all come across orthodontic cases, whether with aligners or full braces, that require IPR. While we many times we focus on technique, the most important is why it is that we actually do IPR. Are there ways around this? If so, how can be avoid or alter IPR to make it minimally invasive for our patients? In this lecture we will discuss the why, when, where, and how of IPR and learn how to better plan, alter, or even avoid IPR in our cases.

This is targeted to general dentists doing some limited orthodontics, primarily with aligners. It can be adapted to a hands-on workshop if necessary

When to Refer to the Orthodontist? - Identifying Phase I cases in younger patients

Phase I or “interceptive orthodontic therapy” has experienced a recent resurgence and emphasis in orthodontic treatment. What are the objective criteria that we can use to determine when and why a patient should be referred “early” for orthodontic treatment. From habits, crossbites, airway concerns, and crowding. Phase I therapy can be hugely beneficial in “heading off” certain challenges and preventing worsening of malocclusions in the long-term.

This is targeted towards young pediatric dentists and dentists in family practice who treat younger patients

Clear Aligners: Identifying Treatable cases (Clear Aligner Fundamentals)

There has been no more impactful development in orthodontics in the last 30 years than the introduction of clear aligners to clinical practice. Since this time, we have seen an ever-increasing number of orthodontic patients opting to “go clear.” However, it is important to understand that not every case will respond the same way to treatment. This course will explore how to identify ideal candidates for aligners by discussing the mechanics and fundamental principles of aligner therapy for the general dentist

Target audience: General Practitioners with limited or no experience in aligner therapy. Have delivered longer versions of this many times with SPEAR education