ortho - the international C.E. magazine of orthodontics

ortho1_2012 I 27 technique_ lingual ortho I attempttocorrecttheseproblemswithretainers.The problem was that most people did not wear these retainers enough to obtain the results desired. Their treatment would continue on for many months. This was frustrating both for the patient and me. The treatment also became a financial dis- advantage. While clear aligners have become popular, this was not the answer for me because of the excessive amountoftimeittakesatthecomputerplanningfor relatively simple treatment. In addition, the expense of the aligners was also a concern that ultimately led me to look for a better solution. In my opinion, the use of MTM No•Trace System has many advantages over retainers and aligners: • Truly invisible. • Very tiny (1.5 mm thick), which virtually elimi- nates tongue irritation. • Minimal speech problems. • Theyarenotdependentonpatientcooperation (other than proper brushing). • Because they are placed near the incisal/occlu- sal edges of teeth, there is little gingival problem. • They can be placed directly, therefore no labo- ratory fees are involved. For those who routinely do their own indirect bonding, you can continue the process if you so desire. • Chair time is minimal at each appointment. Thereareno“re-ties.”Thelightroundwirecontinues to align teeth if left alone. • 80 percent of patients require only one wire. • The clips open and close easily with the tool provided or with an explorer (my choice). • Depending on the country, province or state laws, placement and removal of archwires is easily a task that can be delegated to auxiliaries. Certainly not all those who desire MTM No•Trace treatment are good candidates. Case selection is im- portant.MTMNo•Traceismeantasacosmeticalter- nativeonly.Thosepatientswhosecorrectionrequires root torque or uprighting are not good candidates. However, those who desire alignment only, who might obtain “better” treatment if full-bonded ap- pliances were placed, may still choose a compromise result if their current malocclusion is not worsened. These patients must understand the unstable nature of the result and agree to lifetime retention. Inaddition,thesepatientsshouldbefullyinformedof thelimitationsofsuchtreatmentandsignapotential risk and liability disclosure form._ After receiving his undergraduate degree from Marquette University, Ronald Roncone, DDS, MS, pursued graduate study in physiology and neuroanatomy at the Marquette School of Medicine while simultaneously earning his dental degree from the same university. His CV includes postdoctoral certificates from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the Forsyth Dental Center. Roncone’spracticeinSanDiego,Calif.,specializesinadulttreatment(esthetics,surgicaland TMD) as well as early treatment for children. He is a respected and frequent lecturer, having taughtmorethan500seminarsaroundtheglobe.Hisimpressivelistoftechnicalinnovations includelong(eightto12weeks)intervalsbetweenpatientappointments,whichheintroduced in 1989 through the use of titanium wires and the development of a unique prescription for bands and brackets. Heiswidelyknownintheorthodonticcommunityasthe“GuruofMarketing.”Pleasevisithim online at www.ronconeorthodontics.com or e-mail info@ronconeorthodontics.com. _about the author ortho ‘MTM No•Trace is meant as a cosmetic alternative only’