Segmented Arch Technique

This term refers to any kind of orthodontic treatment technique that uses fixed braces that have several wire segments instead of a single wire that encompasses all the teeth at once. This technique was first introduced by Charles Burstone in 1960. Some aspects of the Segmented Arch Technique have become quite widespread, for example the intrusion of the front teeth using a base arch. However, a lot of the other elements of the Segmented Arch Technique are too complicated and error-prone for the average orthodontic practice so they are hardly ever used. Although the theory behind the Segmented Arch Technique is undoubtedly correct, most clinical problems can be solved with simple continuous wires. Segmentation should therefore only be undertaken where there are clear clinical advantages to using this technique as opposed to a straight wire technique.