Phoenix Orthodontist Utility Arch

Phoenix Orthodontist Utility Arch

The Phoenix orthodontist utility arch depending on its design and situation can serve a multitude of functions.

Indications:
1. Retract incisors: A retraction Phoenix orthodontist utility arch can be used as a means to retract incisors en masse. It is useful as a means of space closure following canine retraction.
2. Intrude incisors: A Phoenix orthodontist utility arch can be used to intrude incisors without affecting the buccal segments (canines and premolars). An example of this is in a patient with a deep bite caused by extrusion of the mandibular incisors. It is also useful as means to intrude the maxillary incisors in a patient with a “gummy” smile.
3. Protract incisors: A protraction Phoenix orthodontist utility arch can be used as a means to protract incisors en masse. It is useful for Class II division 2 patients in order to flare the maxillary incisors.
4. Use following molar distalization: A Phoenix orthodontist utility arch can be used to hold maxillary molars back following distalization with a pendulum appliance.
5. Level Curve of Spee – A Phoenix orthodontist utility arch can be used as a means to level an excessive Curve of Spee through incisor intrusion.
6. Removal of an occlusal interference in incisors – In a patient with a CR-CO slide related to an incisal interference, a Phoenix orthodontist utility arch could be used to either protract or retract and eliminate the interference.
7. Decreased need for extraction – Some Phoenix orthodontists believe that the use of Phoenix orthodontist utility arches can reduce the need for the extraction of premolars.

Contraindications:
1. Class III patients – A Phoenix orthodontist utility arch can place undesirable forces such as buccal crown/lingual root torque on the first molars. These effects are typically negated by the use of a transpalatal arch. In a non-surgical Class III patient, a TPA is usually not used. These molar side effects should be considered in deciding on the use of a Phoenix orthodontist utility arch.
An additional effect on the molar from a Phoenix orthodontist utility arch can be distal crown tip. In the maxillary arch, this may be undesirable for the Class III patient. In the mandible, this may be undesirable for a Class II patient.
2. Congenitally missing lateral incisor – The Phoenix orthodontist utility arch usually engages the four-bracketed incisors. If one or both lateral incisors are congenitally missing, a Phoenix orthodontist utility arch may be contraindicated.