The term “tandem” is used to imply that both maxillary and mandibular dentitions are
affected simultaneously by the mechanics. The mechanics have been shown to be effective
in the treatment of transverse maxillary deficiency, arch length insufficiency, Class II jaw
and tooth relationships, and anterior skeletal overclosure and dental overbite. The treatment
is growth-coupled and, therefore, most effective during the transitional and early full
permanent dentition period of growth and development. With modification, it can be effective
in the latent grower and the nongrower. The mechanics are designed to hold the buccal
teeth in space, while the incisors are advanced with the growth of the jaw. Thus, space is
gained between the molars and incisors without changing the buccolingual or labiolingual
tooth-muscle relationships. This may be the reason these mechanics have produced stable
results. World J Orthod 2003;4:109–118.
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