Aim of the course

The course is designed to provide basic and applied knowledge of 1) orthodontic biomechanics and clinical applications, and 2) orthodontic materials, their structure, physical properties and ways of production.

Ad 1) Basic orthodontic biomechanical principles will be illustrated through clinical cases.

Ad 2) Special focus is put here on metals and alloys, which are relevant for use in orthodontics.

Furthermore, the mechanical properties of different types of orthodontic wires as well as the interaction between wires and brackets are discussed and the influence of the choice of alloy, wire cross-section and geometry of the appliance on the delivered force system is studied by means of computer simulation. Finally, the course will provide clinical examples of how the knowledge of metallurgy is applied in orthodontic practice and can help in treatment planning.

After finishing the course the participants should be able to understand the differences between the numerous orthodontic wires, which are currently available on the market and which wires are appropriate to be used for a given patient at a particular phase of treatment. Furthermore, a participant should be able to understand and appreciate papers on the topics of biomechanics and metallurgy within the scientific orthodontic literature.