Redefining tweed’s headplate correction and its implications in dental arch space requirement

Abstract

The cephalometric appraisal of mandibular incisor teeth in relation to the mandibular basal bone had its origin in the clinical outcomes that Tweed observed in his treated cases. Although was an admirer of Angle's philosophy, failure to achieve functional and aesthetic harmony in some of the orthodontically treated cases prompted Tweed to introspect his methodology and revisit the records of his patients. Consequently, based on his clinical annotations and cephalometric aid, a Diagnostic Facial Triangle was framed to assess the severity and difficulty in treating various degrees of malocclusions in routine orthodontic practice. Furthermore, a simple and effective method in the form of Headplate/Cephalogram Correction was also developed to quantify the extent of space requirements for rectifying prognathic dentures.