Leveling curve of Spee and its effect on mandibular arch length.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the additional space required for leveling of curve of Spee in the mandibular arch by continuous arch wire mechanics.


METHODS
Quasi-experimental interventional.


METHODS
Orthodontics Department, Karachi Medical and Dental College from September 2002 to September 2004.


METHODS
Depth of curve of Spee and arch length were measured on 40 pre-treatment and posttreatment plaster models with the help of sharpened Boley gauge.


RESULTS
The study showed that clinical practice of allowing 1 mm of arch circumference for leveling each millimeter of curve of Spee overestimates the amount of arch space needed to flatten the curve of Spee (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The result suggested that the belief that 1 mm of arch circumference was necessary to level each millimeter of curve of spee present was an overestimation.
Afzal
Ambreen
A
Department of Orthodontics, Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi.
Ahmed
Imtiaz
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology*; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective