A simple method for aligning retroclined or ectopic teeth.

eral incisors or ectopic teeth into the main archwire can be both difficult and problematic.1 First, the forces used to create space in the arch can oppose those needed to align the teeth. This can cause binding and notching of the wire at the locations of the most misaligned teeth, resulting in increased friction and thus negating the archwire’s superelastic properties.2,3 Potentially harmful forces are also placed on the anchorage unit when aligning ectopic teeth.4 Furthermore, bonding brackets to the buccal surfaces of ectopic teeth can result in premature occlusal contacts that can dislodge the brackets. Although one method of avoiding these biomechanical problems has been recommended,5 the development of self-ligating attachments suggests another strategy, which we describe here.