Orthodontic force systems: individualized treatment with open-minded "Begg" technique.

Conventional Begg technique is efficacious for alignment, overbite reduction, and anchorage conservation, but it has a number of deficiencies. Biomechanical systems should be determined by the characteristics of each individual malocclusion, not by habitual application of the same recipe to every patient. Check elastics can increase the bite-opening potency of the appliance, thus permitting control of root movement at any stage. Ribbon arch wires can provide torque control for either bolstering or expending anchorage. Extraoral traction can provide anchorage, control of orientation of the dentition within the face, and simplify and/or shorten treatment in some cases.