99

Techniques

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Techniques

Dr. Wick Alexander

The Alexander
Principles System
In the world of Evidenced Based Orthodontics,

few systems stand on the mountain of data that

supports the Alexander LTS System. For over

40 years the Alexander Principles have given

the doctor the tools to provide patients quick,

beautiful, and stable results. Today, the system

shows not only recent successfully treated

cases, but stability over decades.

Dr. Wick Alexander (center) with (from left to right)

Drs. Chuck (son), C. Moody (brother), Cliff (nephew),
and J. Moody (son) Alexander.

In the world of Evidenced Based Orthodontics,

few systems stand on the mountain of data that
s u p p o r t s t h e A l e x a n d e r LT S S y s t e m
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LTS
A L E X A N D ER

Techniques
L O N G T E R M S T A B I L I T Y

the Alexander Principles System

Beautiful Finish
Just about anyone can fly a plane, but landing one…that’s a different story. Orthodontics is similar. Moving teeth isn’t complicated,
but proper alignment and occlusion is what separates orthodontists from their peers and makes them specialists.
The Alexander LTS System embraces the logic of biologically compatible forces, but does so without compromising control. This is
accomplished by using rectangular wire early in treatment while allowing inter-bracket distance to reduce the force. The result is
rapid tooth movement under the complete control of the orthodontist.
The proven Alexander technique allows for a beautiful finish with proper occlusion in minimal time.

Fast and Simple

While treatment outcomes must always come first; speed, simplicity, and efficiency are critical to the modern productive office. The
Alexander methodology once again proves advantageous. By customizing the treatment plan to each patient, the Alexander LTS
System allows the doctor to front load the hands-on treatment and “let it cook”.

Stable Finish
What should orthodontic patients expect from their doctor, lifetime retention or lifetime stability? While no one can truly offer
lifetime stability, the skilled orthodontist armed with the proper tools can build a stable foundation that lasts for decades.
The Alexander methodology builds stable results by building the smile on the lower anterior teeth as opposed to the upper “social
six.” By using the wings on the Alexander LTS Bracket, the doctor is able to fine-tune rotations, control labial flaring, separate the
lower incisal roots, and unravel the teeth quickly and precisely. Since the lower brackets are in place very early in treatment, they
settle and stabilize long before retention is even a consideration.

Evidence
Worldwide, millions of patients have been treated using the Alexander methodology. Evidence of its effectiveness is easy to find. For
the past 40 years, The Alexander Room of Truth has amassed 15,000 cases. From these, over 50 research studies have been conducted.

The Alexander LTS System

Maxillary Torque Angulation Rotation
Central +15 +5 0
Lateral +9 +9 0
Cuspid -3 +10 0
1st Bicuspid -6 0 0
2nd Bicuspid -8 +4 0
1st Molar -10 -6 13
2nd Molar -10 0 10

Mandibular Torque Angulation Rotation

Central -5 +2 0
Lateral -5 +6 0
Cuspid -7 +6 0
1st Bicuspid -7 0 0
2nd Bicuspid -9 0 0
1st Molar -10 -6 0
2nd Molar 0 0 5

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Techniques

The LTS System includes Maximum Retention photo etched

bands, adding 41% more interior surface area to virtually
eliminate loose bands. The medium temper and highly
anatomical design create a tight fit every time, while reduced
interproximal heights minimize tissue impingement.

Rotation wings provide precise rotational control Maximum interbracket distance allows engagement of
through the activation, deactivation or removal of larger wires earlier in treatment for efficient leveling
individual wings. and faster progression into final arch wires.

Rectangular wire used early in treatment, combined Brackets are color coded by quadrant
with maximum interbracket distance provides
increased torque control, greater patient comfort, and
fewer appointments.

Think About It
The Alexander system is the only system providing different bracket architecture for different teeth. Twin
brackets are used on flatter teeth which benefit from additional control. Yet, small single brackets with wings
are used on teeth with more labial curvature where twin brackets are not as efficient. This unique concept lies
at the foundation of The Alexander Discipline: keep all aspects of treatment as simple as possible.

LTS
AL E X A N D E R

L O N G T E R M S T A B I L I T Y

American Orthodontics is proud to introduce the first monocrysta-

line Alexander prescription bracket. Every LTS Radiance bracket is a
polished jewel made from a single crystal of pure grown sapphire.
Each crystal is honed and then heat polished into a superbly smooth,
incredibly clear, and astoundingly strong bracket. Once bonded,
Radiance is nearly invisible on the tooth.

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LTS
A L E X A N D ER

Techniques
L O N G T E R M S T A B I L I T Y

the Alexander Principles System

Alexander LTS System Arch Wire Recommendations

SIZE TYPE TREATMENT PHASE

.017 x .025 Therma-Ti Lite Initial treatment wire

.016 Force I NiTi Initial treatment wire

.016 x .022 8 Stranded OPTIONAL Initial treatment wire

.017 x .025 8 Stranded OPTIONAL Initial treatment wire

.017 x .025 3 Stranded OPTIONAL Initial treatment wire

.016 Stainless Steel Transitional non-extract space closure Arch wire shown close to actual size
.016 x .022 Stainless Steel Transitional arch leveling

.016 x .022 Force I NiTi Transitional arch leveling

.017 x .017 Force I NiTi Transitional arch leveling

.017 x .025 Force I NiTi Transitional arch leveling

.017 x .025 Beta Titanium Transitional arch leveling

.019 x .025 Beta Titanium Transitional arch leveling -.022 slot

.017 x .025 Stainless Steel Transitional Extraction Space Closure/Finishing

.019 x .025 Stainless Steel Transitional Extraction Space Closure/Finishing - .022 slot

A comprehensive book, written by Dr.
Wick Alexander, details the 20 clinical
principles for effective orthodontic
treatment and long term case stability.
The Principles are well supported by
case studies, with many showing 25
to 30 years post-treatment data. An
excellent resource for anyone in the
field of orthodontics.
Part #3000
With so many factors influencing long-term stability, such as
the patient’s growth and habits, treatment technique, application
of forces, and patient compliance, this book consolidates the 20
principles of the Alexander Discipline outlined in volume one
into 6 guidelines for approaching long-term stability in ortho-
dontics. The guidelines presented in this book work to place
the teeth in positions that will produce the healthiest, most
functional, most aesthetic, and most stable results possible.
Part #3001

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Techniques

Dr. Anthony Gianelly

The Gianelly
Bidimensional System
The Gianelly Bidimensional prescription

incorporates vertically slotted .018 brackets on

the upper/lower centrals and laterals as well as

vertically slotted .022 brackets on the upper/

lower cuspids and premolars.

“Evidence is an absolutely essential ally

because it directs us to selecting correct
strategies for our patients”
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The Gianelly
B i d i m e n s i o n a l Sy ste m

Techniques
Advantages of the Gianelly Bidimensional System
• By using .018 slot brackets on the anterior teeth, arch wire slots are easily filled with rectangular wires, maximizing
the torque and angulation pre-programmed into the Gianelly System.
• Early use of rectangular wires in an .018 slot allows early torque control of anterior teeth during the retraction
phase of treatment.
• Early use of rectangular wires in an .018 slot provides torque control for maintaining overbite and overjet through-
out treatment.
• Using .022 slot brackets on the cuspids and premolars combined with small dimensional arch wires, allow for less
frictional resistance, resulting in efficient and predictable retraction and space closure.
• Wires limited by the .018 slot capacity result in less force and greater patient comfort.
• Vertical slots built into the Gianelly System allow for the use of single-tooth mechanics auxiliaries, such as rotation
springs, uprighting springs, and torquing springs. Power pins and power arms add to the versatility of the Gianelly
System, largely eliminating the need for hooks in the bracket prescription.

The Gianelly Bidimensional System

Maxillary Torque Angulation Rotation Slot
Central +12 +5 0 .018
Lateral +8 +9 0 .018
Cuspid 0 +7 0 .022
1st & 2nd Premolars 0 0 0 .022
1st Molar 0 0 14 .022
2nd Molar 0 0 5 .022

Mandibular Torque Angulation Rotation Slot

Anteriors 0 0 0 .018
Cuspid 0 +5 0 .022
1st & 2nd Premolars 0 0 0 .022
1st & 2nd Molar 0 0 0 .022

.018 slot .022 slot

Bidimensional Technique
.018 slot brackets are placed on central and lateral incisors
.022 slot brackets/tubes are placed on cuspids, premolars, and molars

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®

Empower
Techniques

Co nt ro l in yo ur ha n ds

Unprecedented Bidimensional versatility

Introducing the industry’s first vertical slot self ligating bracket system that empowers the orthodontist with the
versatility of both passive and interactive ligation clips - all in one unified system. Empower combines the modern
advantages of a self ligating bracket with the time-tested and proven Gianelly prescription and auxiliaries.

Anterior Teeth: .018 Interactive Clip

• Low friction sliding mechanics early in treatment using small wire dimensions
• Enhanced control of torque and rotations during finishing phase
using larger rectangular wires

Posterior Teeth: .022 Passive Clip

• Low friction sliding mechanics at the posterior throughout treatment

Dual Activation:
Combines interactive and passive clip designs for
anterior control with posterior sliding mechanics

Strong, durable clip for

dependable performance

Extended tie wings for easy Facial hole adds opening options
tie-ability and differential tying when clip tail is inaccessible

Smooth, rounded contours for

exceptional patient comfort

Compound-contoured Maximum
RetentionTM pads for worry-free
bond strength .018 x .018
Vertical slot

Centered mesial-distally for traditional mechanics

using v-slot auxiliaries. See Self ligating section of
this catalog for part numbers.

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The Gianelly
B i d i m e n s i o n a l Sy ste m

Techniques
M I N I

master
TM

S E R I E S

Not all brackets are created equal

There is one vertically slotted system so technologically

advanced, it marches in harmony with your clinical exper-
tise, allowing you to treat each patient to your standard
of excellence. The visually intuitive design of Master
Series, with its revolutionary combination of Diagonal
Torque and Diagonal Angulation, dramatically increases
bonding precision, which is so important in the Gianelly
System, leading directly to exceptional results with fewer
wire bends.

Revolutionary
Bonding Pad Diagonal Torque reduces the
Technology profile height of vertical slot
brackets, minimizing occlusal
interferences
Photo-chemically etched pockets
increase pad surface area by 41%,
creating a greater mechanical lock.

80 gauge mesh provides up .018 x .018 Vertical slot

to 40% greater shear bond
strength than 100 gauge mesh
mr using today’s macro-filled
TM

MAXIMUM RETENTION resins. 1

Diagonal Torque
Mini Master Series brackets incorporate Diagonal Torque into their
design as opposed to torque machined into the face or wedged into
the base. Diagonal Torque keeps the center of the arch slot over the
center of the base providing a more predictable expression of torque,
while allowing for the lowest profile height possible.

Diagonal Angulation
Angulation is designed into each Mini Master Series
bracket and pad, not milled into the face of the bracket.
All horizontal components are parallel to the occlusal
plane, all vertical components are parallel to the long
axis of the tooth. These visual cues enhance your ability
to precisely bond each bracket in the ideal location.
1
S. Scott, E.M. Kudlick, and F.C. Eichmiller,
“Bond Strength of a Macrofilled Resin Utilizing
80/100 Gauged Bases”, Howard University
School of Dentistry, 1992.

See Metal Brackets section of this catalog for part numbers.

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Uprighting Spring - with Safety Hold Power Pin (not for use with Empower brackets)
Techniques
• For uprighting teeth using a vertically slotted bracket • Universal right or left hook for use with vertical
• 10/pkg slot brackets
• Eliminates the need for hooks on brackets
855-192 Right 855-193 Left • Secure in bracket by bending tail away from the
direction of force
• 50/pkg

Closed Coil Adjustable Force - with Eyelet

• .010 diameter titanium memory superelastic wire, .030 ID 201-140
• Eyelets allow for easy engagement to bracket hooks, 201-141 Long leg for use with Empower
tube hooks, or posted arch wire hooks
• We recommend that you place one eyelet over distal Rotation Spring
hook and gently pull spring forward to engage
• Efficiently rotates teeth using bidimensional mechanics
anterior hook
• 10/pkg
• 10/pkg
855-190 Right 855-191 Left
855-180 9 mm 855-181 12 mm

Surgical & Rectangular Arch Hooks Rectangular Stops

• Prevent failure of bracket attachments to teeth Weldable

• 2 mm cast with hook • Welded to arch wire prior to ligation
• Use sliding hook crimping plier for strongest crimp
851-610
Rectangular .018 x .025 inches
Weldable 0.46 x 0.64 mm
851-620C Surgical Hook
2 mm Stop
2 mm Slide on .018 x .025 inches
100/pkg
10/pkg 0.46 x 0.64 mm

851-632C Arch Hook

2 mm Slide on .018 x .025 inches
10/pkg 0.46 x 0.64 mm

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Techniques
Dr. Marcel Korn

Postural/Bidimensional/
Removable Anchorage
Orthodontics
Dr. Marcel Korn has dedicated a major portion

of his orthodontic career to the development of

a rationale of mechano-therapy termed simply,

“Postural Orthodontics.” His concept and treat-

ment mechanics reposture the mandible, train

the musculature, and simultaneously mobilize

the dentition in children or adults. That concept

employs simplified “fixed-functional removable

appliances” which have been specifically de-

signed to be effective, efficient, and comfortable

for the patient. Bidimensional fixed orthodontic

mechanics are employed simultaneous with

removable functional anchorage devices (RADS).

“Including the musculature in treatment planning and reposturing

the mandible are not new concepts; they are inherent in treatment

o u t c o m e s o f c r o w d i n g , d e e p o v e r b i t e , r e t r o - g n a t h i s m , T. M . D .

therapy and orthognathic surgical advancement ”

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Techniques The “Postural Orthodontic” concept
Conceived and developed as a comprehensive treatment philosophy, Postural Orthodontics incorporates mandibular positional
and functional relationships in the management of malocclusion. Postural Orthodontics is employed during the vibrant and
dynamic mixed dentition eruptive period. It employs new concepts of eruption guidance. Postural Orthodontics is used to af-
fect permanent dentition during craniofacial development. In adults, this concept integrates the analytical and clinical aspects
of fixed and functional philosophies to achieve not only a comfortable mandibular posture for the patient, but a stable and
functional orthodontic result as well.
Early Treatment Adult Treatment and T.M.D.
Philosophy
Assumes that dental crowding, overbite, Considers the musculature, the skeletal, and
dent-alveolar development, and mandibular the dental components of the masticatory
posture can be positively affected during the system in treatment design.
growth and development period.

Physiology
Considers the effects of the musculature, the
skeletal and the dental components of the
masticatory system in treatment design.
It assumes that the adaptive changes in the
cranio mandibular system can occur over
time if the mandibular posture and function
are altered.

Function
Employs new “mini” removable functional
anchorage devices (RADS) to take advantage
of the benefits of the well-established Euro-
pean functional treatment approaches.
Retrains the musculature and repostures the
mandible to a habitually developed relation-
ship as an alternative to surgery or to tradi-
tional orthodontic mechano-therapy.

Po s i t i o n
Assumes that hard and soft tissue adapta-
tions can be altered over time with
functional treatment during the growth
and development period.
Assumes that a range of motion and varied
condylar positions exist, and questions the
uni-positional centric relation concept.

Mechanics
Marry European functional methods with Utilizes new Removable Anchorage Devices
A. Korn Lip Bumper
• Space maintainer
American fixed appliances in a harmoni- (RAD) that help provide an alternative to
• Molar rotator ous treatment system. surgery or to traditional orthodontic
• Simulates “the Frankel Effect” mechano-therapy.

B. Korn Mandibular Advancer

Preformed functional appliance for
mandibular repositioning in Class II B
and TMJ treatment A

C. Mini Activator Posturer

(M.A.P. or anterior RAD) is effective in:
• TMD anterior repositioning
• Anterior anchorage
• Posterior vertical development
• Anterior reposturing

D. Inter-Occlusal Appliance effectively used in: C D

• Anterior open bite high angle cases
• Maximum anchorage cases
• TMJ reposturing
• Posterior removable anchorage

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