2026 Spring CE Program

Orthodontists play a critical role in screening, diagnosing and treating jaw deficiencies in patients with sleep-disordered breathing. In this presentations we will review the latest innovations in surgical and non-surgical skeletal treatment modalities (MARPE, MMA, 3D printed expanders for younger children, protraction devices and mandibular advancement devices) for adults and pediatric patients with maxillary and mandibular deficiencies as it may relate to OSA and other upper airway breathing disorders.

Course Objectives:

• Review the  literature on the role of crania-facial deficiencies in SDB and OSA patients.
• Review latest advances in 3D printed technologies to allow skeletal treatment in children with SDB younger than 6.
• Review latest innovations in non-surgical expansion for adults utilizing implant-assisted anchorage and 3D-printed/3D-guided technology.
• Review literature and cases with MMA surgery for OSA and SDB indications.

Dr. Richard Schwab will present a 40‑minute lecture on his pioneering use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to characterize upper airway anatomy in adolescents at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Using 3‑dimensional MRI, his work quantifies the size and position of the tonsils, adenoids, tongue, soft palate, pharyngeal walls, and craniofacial structures to explain why some young patients develop airway narrowing, chronic mouth breathing, and unfavorable dentofacial growth. The lecture will highlight how MRI‑based assessment can help clinicians identify high‑risk patients earlier and guide multidisciplinary, airway‑focused interventions for orthodontists, pediatric dentists, otolaryngologists, and sleep medicine clinicians.

Course Objectives:

• Explain MRI assessment of the adolescent upper airway.
• Recognize anatomic risk factors for adolescent OSA.
• Relate MRI findings to dentofacial development.
• Use MRI findings in multidisciplinary treatment planning.

This course provides a practical, case‑based framework for selecting the right modality for soft‑tissue procedures in everyday practice. Rather than promoting a single technology, the program emphasizes clinical judgment, helping clinicians understand why one approach is preferable over another in specific scenarios. Participants will explore the strengths, limitations, and ideal indications for lasers, electrosurgery, and rotary instrumentation — and learn how to integrate all three into a predictable, efficient workflow.

Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of tissue behavior, improved confidence in tool selection, and a more nuanced approach to soft‑tissue management that enhances outcomes, efficiency, and patient comfort.

Course Objectives:

• • Identify the clinical indications where lasers, electrosurgery, or burs provide the most predictable outcomes.
  • Evaluate soft‑tissue characteristics and biologic width considerations before selecting a modality.
  • Compare the advantages and limitations of each tool in terms of hemostasis, healing, precision, and workflow efficiency.
  • Apply a structured decision‑making framework to real‑world clinical scenarios.
  • Integrate multiple soft‑tissue management techniques into everyday restorative and orthodontic practice.

The diagnosis, evaluation, and management of hard and soft tissues play an important role in the overall successful outcome of comprehensive Orthodontic treatment. An aligned dentition with an optimized occlusal scheme that is well-balanced, harmonious and esthetically pleasing, with proper function must exist between the hard and soft tissues to provide long-term maintainable stability. This presentation will focus on the interdisciplinary management of Orthodontic patients that require surgical and periodontal intervention. Clinical considerations, the indications, as well as the timing of intervention, will be reviewed. Clinical case examples will be utilized to illustrate appropriate sequencing and decision-making to achieve a favorable outcome.

Course Objectives:

• Examine soft tissue periodontal supporting structures and identify parameters that may need further evaluation  prior to initiating Orthodontic treatment.
• Examine hard tissue periodontal supporting structures and identify parameters that may need further evaluation  prior to initiating Orthodontic treatment.
• Recognize soft tissue findings which may limit or prevent orthodontic tooth movement.
• Understand the etiologic factors which contribute to short clinical crowns as well as the treatment modalities available to address this concern.
• Identify risk factors that may contribute to mucogingival problems either during and/or after orthodontic treatment and understand the various modalities of intervention that may be required to minimize risk factors.

The limitations in orthodontic tooth movement were initially described by Proffit and Ackerman’s concept of the “envelope of discrepancy.” Simply, orthodontic tooth movement is limited to the confines of the surrounding alveolar bone that houses the teeth. Exceeding these limits requires additional growth or surgical modifications; otherwise, the teeth may suffer a significant periodontal cost. There have been numerous studies performed assessing the alveolar changes associated with anterior tooth movement during orthodontic treatment. It seems however, less attention has been spent on the changes within the posterior region and the limitation of movement that exists in this area. The purpose of this lecture is to investigate the limits of the envelope of discrepancy that exists in the mandibular posterior region and the boney changes that occur when we stretch beyond these limits

Course Objectives:

• Review the literature on anterior and posterior bone loss associated with orthodontic tooth movement.
• Review a research paper on the periodontal effects from arch form development of the mandibular posterior teeth after orthodontic treatment.
• Learn the history of the different arch forms.
• Learn the concept of Larry Andrews' "WALA" Ridge.