Application of External Plate in Non-Surgical Treatment of Complex Orthodontic Cases

Objectives: To design and produce innovative external plate devices that can be installed without any surgical flap and can be used for orthopedic treatment of skeletal deformities, and significant tooth movement without loss of anchorage such as mesialization, distalization, intrusion or extrusion.
Methods: Using mechanical engineering designing software, different external plates and different screw were designed and analyzed. The final devices were fabricated from surgical stainless steel and were subjected to different mechanical testing to evaluate their durability in the oral cavity, and in response to orthopedic forces. In addition, its formability by clinicians for the different clinical applications were tested. Designs were evaluated in different case studies to demonstrate clinical feasibility.
Results: Different external plates and specific screws for installation in different locations of the jaws were tested in different type of malocclusion. External plates were very easy to install and remove and patients did not report any complications. The plates did not distort inside the mouth and were stable during the duration of treatment.
Conclusions: External plates can be placed by orthodontists quickly and safely without the need for a soft tissue flap, expanding the ability to treat non-surgically severe skeletal problems.