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April 2026
Volume 60, Issue 4

THE EDITOR'S CORNER

Concerning Ivan Ilyich

NEAL D. KRAVITZ DMD, MS

The Death of Ivan Ilyich, written by Leo Tolstoy—one of literature’s great moral philosophers—is not merely a story about dying. In this haunting novella, Tolstoy introduces Ivan Ilyich, a successful ...

230

Apical Treatment Planning: A Paradigm Shift in Orthodontic Diagnosis

ANTHONY MAIR DDS, MClD, DANIEL NIKITAS RICHMOND DMD, MSc, FRCDC

The authors introduce Apical Treatment Planning (ATP), a diagnostic framework that incorporates root apex positions to guide extraction decisions and mechanical sequencing. Case examples illustrate how accounting for root angulation can simplify treatment, reduce unnecessary root movement, and improve efficiency across a variety of clinical presentations.

231

PEARLS

First Molar Mesial Root Tip in Second Premolar Extraction Therapy

NEAL D. KRAVITZ DMD, MS, SERCAN AKYALÇIN DDS, MS, PhD, ANDRE WEISSHEIMER DDS, MS, PhD

This Pearl recommends incorporating first molar mesial root tip—routinely overlooked in second premolar extraction therapy—at the initial bonding appointment to ensure proper root angulation during space closure. Bonding the tubes in an intentionally mesiogingival orientation introduces a gable-like deflection into the initial archwire, prompting early root movement and preventing the late-stage complications of gingival clefting, food impaction, and space reopening.

242

OVERVIEW

Orthodontic Management of Patients with Asthma

YONA RACHEL VANDERSLUIS-SOLOMON BSc, DDS, MSc, FRCDC, SUNJAY SURI BDS, MDS, DNB, MOrth RCS (Edinburgh), FRCDC

This Overview examines the intersection of asthma and orthodontic practice, covering the oral effects of inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids, the associations between asthma and dental caries and periodontal disease, and pain management considerations in asthmatic patients. The authors offer practical clinical recommendations, including appliance hygiene guidance and emergency preparedness measures to support safer and more effective orthodontic treatment.

244

CASE REPORT

Transalveolar Autotransplantation of Impacted Mandibular Second Premolars with Nine-Year Follow-Up

JORGE HERNAN CALDERON SOTO MDentSc, SANTIAGO SALAZAR POLANCO DDS, NANDAKUMAR JANAKIRAMAN BDS, MDS, MDentSc

This case report documents the transalveolar autotransplantation of two impacted lower second premolars in an adolescent patient, with detailed clinical and radiographic follow-up over nine years. Periodontal, pulpal, and occlusal outcomes are evaluated, supporting autotransplantation as a viable, biologically sound alternative to implants in growing patients when appropriate surgical technique is applied.

253

Versatility of Elastomeric Ligatures with Occlusal Guards

NEAL D. KRAVITZ DMD, MS, SHAWN L. MILLER DMD, MMSc, ANDRE WEISSHEIMER DDS, MS, PhD, SERCAN AKYALÇIN DDS, MS, PhD

Elastomeric ligatures with occlusal guards, originally designed to protect maxillary incisors from ceramic bracket contact in deep-bite cases, are reintroduced with updated clinical indications and techniques. The authors illustrate their utility across bracket materials and patient presentations, including bite disocclusion, anterior crossbite correction, and soft-tissue protection, positioning these simple auxiliaries as practical, underutilized tools for contemporary clinical practice.

264

In-House 3D-Printed Brackets: Design, Fabrication, and Clinical Application

MARIO PALONE DDS, MS, LUCA BRUCCULERI DMD, MARTINA RUMPIANESI DMD, MS, FRANCESCA CREMONINI DDS, LUCA LOMBARDO DDS

This article describes the design and in-house fabrication of 3D-printed resin brackets using digital light processing (DLP) technology and Rhinoceros 7 CAD software. The authors detail the printing workflow, including printer calibration, resin selection, and UV postprocessing, followed by a two-phase treatment case in which the printed brackets are used in the second phase, highlighting the potential of in-house fabrication to expand bracket customization and reduce laboratory dependence.

269

DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGE

Case #14, Part 2: Treatment

STACEY MOON DDS, MSD, HEEYEON SUH DDS, MS, PhD, HEESOO OH DDS, MSD, PhD

Courtesy of the University of the Pacific In this monthly column, Contributing Editors Gayle Glenn, DDS, MSD, and Shawn L. Miller, DMD, MMSc, present a case to challenge your diagnostic and treatme...

283

Continuing Education from April 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.

289

Product News in April 2026 Issue

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

293

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