Refining occlusion with muscle balance to enhance long-term orthodontic stability.

The primary objective of orthodontic treatment is the movement of teeth into a more ideal esthetic and functional relationship. Finishing a case with the muscles of mastication in equilibrium is another very important objective that often does not receive enough consideration. If the occlusal forces in maximum intercuspation are distributed unevenly around the arch, tooth movement most likely will occur and an endless procession of retainers will be necessary for retention. Today, it is possible to make simultaneous and precise measurements of the relative force of each occlusal contact, the timing of the occlusal contacts, and the specific muscle contraction levels. This technological breakthrough represents a paradigm shift in thinking and may improve orthodontic stability.