Favorite Saved
February 2026
Volume 60, Issue 2

THE EDITOR'S CORNER

The Winged Scapula

NEAL D. KRAVITZ DMD, MS

The “winged scapula” is a classic question on medical and dental board examinations. It occurs when the stabilizing relationship between the scapula (shoulder blade) and the rib cage is disrupted, mos...

78

JCO INTERVIEWS

Dr. Dirk Wiechmann on Lingual Orthodontics: Part I

DIRK WIECHMANN BDS, MS, PhD, BJÖRN LUDWIG DMD, MSD, PhD

Dr. Wiechmann and Dr. Björn Ludwig discuss the evolution of completely customized lingual appliances, differences between European and U.S. markets, and the biomechanics underlying precision lingual treatment. This first of a two-part interview reviews the development and clinical principles of individualized lingual systems.

79

DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGE

Case #13, Part I: Presentation

MUKESH KUMAR MDS, SUMIT KUMAR MDS, EKTA YADAV MDS, MALVIKA AGARWAL MDS, GANDI SOUGANDHIKA MDS

In this monthly column, Contributing Editors Gayle Glenn, DDS, MSD, and Shawn L. Miller, DMD, MMSc, present a case to challenge your diagnostic and treatment-planning skills. Review the initial record...

89

PEARLS

Esthetic Palatal Crib for Anterior Open-Bite Treatment

CAMILA MASSARO DDS, MSc, PhD, LOURIVAL DE CASTRO GARCIA, DANIELA GARIB DDS, MSc, PhD

A transparent modification of the traditional palatal crib is introduced for correction of anterior open-bite in the mixed dentition. The appliance improves esthetics and patient acceptance while maintaining the biomechanical effectiveness of conventional crib therapy.

93

OVERVIEW

Biomechanical Principles and Techniques for Management of Maxillary and Mandibular Second Molars

RAVIKUMAR ANTHONY BDS, MDS, MS, BHAIRAVI PRADIP BAVISKAR BDS, MDS, VISHNU RAJ BDS, MSFS, MS, SHAZA ABASS BDS, MS, PhD, FFD RCSI

The authors review orthodontic biomechanics used to control maxillary and mandibular second molars during comprehensive treatment. Emphasis is placed on anchorage considerations, torque control, bite-opening strategies, and clinical techniques for managing erupted, partially erupted, or impacted second molars.

95

CASE REPORT

Alt-RAMEC Protocol with Facemask Protraction for Treatment of Skeletal Class III Malocclusion in a Growing Patient

MOLKA JENHANI DMD, WIEM BEN AMOR DMD, INES DALEL PhD, SAMIR TOBJI DMD, ADEL BEN AMOR DMD

Alternating rapid maxillary expansion and constriction are followed by facemask therapy to correct maxillary sagittal deficiency in a late mixed-dentition patient. This case report illustrates skeletal and dental changes associated with the Alt-RAMEC protocol during orthopedic treatment of Class III malocclusion.

108

Angel Aligner Innovations for Unilateral Molar Distalization

GIACOMO SCUZZO DDS, GIUSEPPE SCUZZO MD, DDS, ALFONSO ALVARADO LORENZO DDS, PhD

Advanced aligner materials, staged distalization protocols, and digital treatment planning are applied to unilateral molar distalization. The authors describe clinical mechanics and digital setup strategies that improve control of posterior movement during clear aligner therapy.

118

Product News in February 2026 Issue

PRODUCT NEWS is presented as a service to the reader and in no way implies endorsement by JCO.

131

Skeletal and Dental Effects of 3D-Printed Rapid Maxillary Expansion Appliances: A CBCT Study

JULIAN J. WOOLLEY BDS, MSc, MFDS, MOrth RCS, RICHARD R.J. COUSLEY BSc, BDS, MSc, FDS, FDS RCS

A retrospective CBCT analysis evaluates skeletal expansion efficiency and dentoalveolar side effects associated with digitally designed, 3D-printed metal Hyrax expanders. The study examines skeletal and dental changes produced by these fully digital rapid maxillary expansion appliances.

132

Continuing Education from February 2026 Issue (questions only)

Click here to download a PDF of the printed questions from the journal for reference. CE tests must be taken online. When you are ready, go here to take the quiz.

141

DIGITAL PEARLS

Paper Rulers to Predictably Measure Lingual Retainers

LINTON NASH MDS, MOrth RCS

A short video demonstration presents a simple chairside technique using paper rulers to measure lingual retainers accurately before bonding. The approach can streamline appliance placement and improve efficiency during clinical procedures.

20260201

My Account

This is currently not available. Please check back later.

Please contact heather@jco-online.com for any changes to your account.