Question:
This is a sixteen year old girl with moderate upper and lower crowding. Neither her parents nor her want any extractions to be carried out. They are happy to have just the anterior teeth straightened. Is this case suitable for the Inman Aligner?

Answer:
With cases like this, the parents must also understand that the overall malocclusion, i.e. skeletal discrepancy and Angle's classification, will not be corrected. It is important to have that conversation before they totally reject the conventional fixed orthodontics. If they want to avoid extractions, they need to find a well trained orthodontic specialist who can complete the treatment without any serial extractions. On it's own, the anterior segments are relatively easy. I would consider using a combined Inman and Expander on the upper to minimize IPR. Once the upper is completed, treat the lower segment with IPR alone. Remember that you may have compliance issues with children and adolescents. Using sharp anchors may help increase compliance.

Tags: Moderate Upper Crowding, Moderate Lower Crowding, Combined Upper and Lower Treatment, Possible Case, Full Consent - Children, Compliance, Children