Andrea Wichelhaus

Biography

Prof. Dr. Andrea Wichelhaus** is a prominent orthodontist and researcher currently serving as the Director and Chairperson of the Department of Orthodontics at Ludwig-Maximilians University Medical Center in Munich, Germany. She began her academic career at Ulm University, where she worked as an Assistant Professor and Alternate Director of the Division for Orthodontics from 1990 to 1999. Notably, she received the Walter Engel Prize in 1995 for her scientific advancements and was honored for her publication on a new NiTi-SE-steel uprighting spring.

In 1996, Dr. Wichelhaus completed her habilitation and PhD, followed by a research fellowship at Harvard University’s Department of Orthodontics. From 1999 to 2008, she led the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Basel, Switzerland. 

Her research focuses on spring systems and wires for fixed appliances, the biomechanics of tooth movement, mechanobiology, and the biocompatibility of orthodontic materials, among other areas. With her extensive expertise, Dr. Wichelhaus continues to contribute significantly to the field of orthodontics.

Title

Do we still need traditional orthodontics?

Abstract

Aligners are increasingly utilized by orthodontists and dentists worldwide, significantly advancing the use of algorithms and digital treatment methods. Both companies and dental office labs now produce aligners, raising the question of whether aligner therapy might entirely replace traditional orthodontics. However, when evaluating treatment accuracy, aligner therapy achieves treatment goals only by approximately 50%, even with the use of attachments.
This presentation discusses the indications, contraindications and limitations of aligner therapy considering evidence-based literature and illustrated by clinical cases. Special consideration is given to biomechanical aspects of precise application of orthodontic forces and moments (M/F-ratio), which is a prerequisite to establish physiologic and stable occlusion.
In contrast to aligner therapy, traditional orthodontics using fixed appliances offers a wider treatment spectrum and allows for precise and predictable occlusion adjustment. However, fixed appliances approach also have their limitations, which need to be overcome by technical innovations, CAD/CAM and the use of Smart Materials. The use of shape memory alloys in combination with new designs of brackets, archwires and compound archwires diminish the inaccuracies and weaknesses of fixed orthodontic appliances, as demonstrated in our treatment studies. By using new slot geometries, the traditional orthodontic therapy starts to follow the path towards a “biologization” of orthodontic treatments. It is necessary to continue the development of fixed appliances in order to achieve the goal of biologization and ensure function and aesthetics for our patients. In conclusion: Yes, we still need traditional orthodontics!