Upper Torque/Intrusion Mechanics in Deep Bite Cases Using the Upper Utility Wire and Directional Headgear

Abstract

The problems of correcting deep bites are outlined and the advantages and usage of the upper utility wire are described with special reference to some case reports. High pull headgear direct to the arch Wire allows an orthopaedic force to be added if required, in addition to opposing the extrusive force vector applied by the torqueing mechanics. Treatment may be commenced with only two molars and four incisors banded and the edgewise system allows the incisor roots to be kept away from palatal and buccal plates during intrusion. This prevents the root resorption described recently when incisors roots have been allowed to contact the cortical plates of bone during movement. Use of Cobalt—Nickel—Chrome* wire and pre-torqued brackets allows the application of a light physiological force acting over a long period and this reduces patient visits. Overbite correction is achieved by true incisor intrusion and not by molar extrusion.