This photo demonstrates that the jaws can be wired to allow any degree of separation that the doctor and the patient deem compatible for comfort , speech and TMJ health.
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Orthodontic Jaw wiring (OJW)
May 3, 2006
A NEW METHOD TO WIRE THE JAWS CLOSED
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This photo demonstrates that the jaws can be wired to allow any degree of separation that the doctor and the patient deem compatible for comfort , speech and TMJ health. |
The wiring is accomplished by passing the wire thru the openings formed within the bracket. Indeed a simple eyelet would be sufficient if it was strong enough. Self-ligating brackets will do nicely as well. |
Goal:
To make the patient comfortable when their jaws are wired together and at the same time prevent/limit the intake of solid foods.
History:
I have been providing OJW since 1997. I use the Begg brackets. Their slot allows .20 mm of play and therefore the maximum the patient could move the mandible was about 1.75 mm in all directions.
When a patient recently complained about discomfort even with that amount of freedom, it occurred to me to pass the wire through the hole formed by the bracket and it’s back wall rather than “figure 8” using the bracket slot. Thus it became apparent that the jaws could be wire at any distance apart desired by the operator and most important compatible with the patient’s comfort.
Purpose:
To allow the operator to position the jaws at any desired opening from 0.0mm to 5.0
Conclusion:
Self-ligating brackets are without doubt even superior to Begg brackets for providing OJW. Moreover, since simplicity is the goal a strong eyelet soldered to a bondable back would do as well. Bondable eyelets are made but not as yet with large enough backs to allow sufficient adherence.
Dr. Ted Rothstein
35 Remsen St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718 852 1551 www.drted.com, drted35@aol.com