• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.34 no.2 s.103
• /
• pp.197-203
• /
• 2004

Tweed-Merrifield directional force technology is a very useful concept, especially for the treatment of Glass II malocclusion. It has contributed to treating a favorable counter-clockwise skeletal change and balanced face, while head gear force using high pull J-hook (HPJH) in an appropriate direction is also essential to influence such results. Clinicians have encountered some problems concerning patients' compliance; however skeletal anchorage has been used widely of late because it does not necessitate patients' compliance, yet produces absolute anchorage. In this case, a good facial balance was obtained by Tweed-Merrifield directional force technology using HPJH together with skeletal anchorage, which provided anchorage control in the maxillary posterior area, torque control in the maxillary anterior area, and mandibular response. This indicates 4hat skeletal anchorage can be used to reinforce sagittal and vortical anchorage in the maxillary posterior area during the retraction of anterior teeth. The author used HPJH for torque control, Intrusion, and the bodily movement of maxillary anterior teeth during on masse movement. However, it is thought that such a result nay also be achieved by substituting mini- or microscrews for HPJH. Consequently, Tweed-Merrifield directional force technology using skeletal anchorage for the treatment of Class II malocclusion not only maximiaes the result of treatment but can also minimize patients' compliance.