Ultimate Orthodontic Academy

10/15/2026

An open bite case with significant midline correction.

Leslie presented with an open bite, significant maxillary and mandibular midline shifts, dental asymmetry, and two supernumerary mandibular bicuspids.

The treatment focused on:

→ Closing the open bite through posterior intrusion
→ Correcting the maxillary and mandibular midlines
→ Managing the dental asymmetry
→ Maintaining lip support while creating the necessary space

Using four TADs and the LIFT protocol, we intruded the posterior segments to help close the open bite through mandibular autorotation.

As the bite closed, we added two additional TADs to address the anterior vertical dimension and gummy smile, while continuing to use TAD anchorage to refine the maxillary midline.

The result: 20 months, approximately 12 appointments, coincident midlines, a closed bite, and a balanced smile.

🎥 Want to see how the mechanics came together? Watch the full case study on YouTube for the detailed breakdown of Leslie’s diagnosis, extraction strategy, LIFT mechanics, midline correction, TAD placement, and finishing.

10/08/2026

A full-step Class II that ultimately didn’t require a Herbst.

Gabriela presented with significant overjet, upper and lower arch constriction, a pronounced curve of Spee, and a full-step Class II.

The initial plan was to begin with arch development and Class II elastics, then reassess whether a fixed functional appliance would be necessary.

As treatment progressed, her response to the mechanics was better than expected. The arches developed, the molars de-rotated, the lower buccal segments uprighted, and her Class II progressively improved.

The result:
🔹 18 months
🔹 12 appointments
🔹 Class I occlusion
🔹 No Herbst
🔹 No wire bends or auxiliary springs

A great example of why evaluating the response to treatment as you progress can be just as important as the initial treatment plan.

🎥 Want to see how the case evolved? Watch the full case study on YouTube for the complete breakdown of Gabriela’s diagnosis, torque selection, arch development, Class II mechanics, and the decision to avoid the fixed functional appliance.

🔗 Full case study linked in bio

10/06/2026

🦷 What makes an anterior result look truly exceptional?

It’s often not one single feature, it’s how multiple small decisions come together to create a cohesive result. ✨

In modern orthodontics, the finishing details deserve just as much attention as the initial diagnosis and mechanics. The way we evaluate, plan, and refine the anterior segment can have a significant impact on the overall appearance of the smile.

The Anterior Esthetic Ideal was developed by Michael Bicknell DDS, MS to bring a more intentional and comprehensive approach to evaluating these details, drawing from principles across orthodontics, periodontics, and restorative dentistry.

The goal is simple: create results that look naturally beautiful, not simply clinically complete.

👉 Swipe through to explore the framework, and if you’re interested in taking a deeper dive into modern smile design, explore the educational resources and courses available through Ultimate Orthodontic Academy.

🔗 Link in Bio

10/05/2026

Don't miss your chance to join us for our April TADs & Tissue Recontouring course! Spaces are limited. More information on the course can be found here: https://ultimateorthoacademy.com/events/tads-and-tissue-recontouring-in-person-course-april-2027/

TAD's and Tissue Recontouring course at Ultimate Orthodontic Academy last week!

10/01/2026

Gummy smile correction with the LIFT procedure.

Lilyvette presented with multiple concerns, including crowding, upper arch constriction, lower lingual inclination, deep bite, and excessive gingival display.

The treatment approach focused on:

🔹Non-extraction space creation through lateral development
🔹Uprighting the lower buccal segments
🔹Correcting the vertical dimension with TAD-supported intrusion
🔹Improving the occlusal plane and smile arc

For the vertical correction, we used six TADs to intrude both the posterior and anterior segments and help address her occlusal plane.

The result: 17 months of treatment with significant improvement in her smile esthetics, occlusal plane, arch form, and crowding.

🎥 Want to see how it was done? Watch the full case study on YouTube for the complete breakdown of Lilyvette’s diagnosis, LIFT mechanics, TAD placement, intrusion strategy, arch development, and finishing.

🔗 Case Study Link in Bio

09/24/2026

A Class II case where torque control played a key role.

Paul presented with a Class II Division 1, constricted upper arch, blocked-out canine, increased curve of Spee, and a deep overbite.

Treatment objectives:
🔹Correct the Class II
🔹Develop the upper arch
🔹Create space for the canine
🔹Maintain anterior torque control

Class II elastics were incorporated from the beginning, with a variable torque prescription designed to help manage their effects while maintaining controlled incisor positioning.

The result?

13 months. 9 appointments. 1 archwire bend.

A great example of how thoughtful bracket selection, torque prescription, and archwire progression can help streamline Class II treatment.

🎥 Want to see how it was done? Watch the full case study on YouTube for the complete breakdown of Paul’s diagnosis, mechanics, archwire sequence, and treatment progression.

🔗 Full case study linked in bio

09/21/2026

From Hanoi to Bali, two incredible stops focused on one thing: advancing orthodontic education. 🌎🦷

Michael Bicknell DDS, MS had the opportunity to travel to Hanoi, Vietnam and Bali, Indonesia to lecture for Ormco and connect with orthodontists from around the world.

The best part of these experiences isn’t just sharing what we do, it’s the conversations, questions, and different perspectives that come from working with orthodontists across the globe.

Every lecture is an opportunity to share clinical experience, challenge conventional thinking, and continue learning from the orthodontic community.

Grateful for the opportunity to teach, connect, and contribute to the continued evolution of modern orthodontics.

09/08/2026

This patient presented with a mild Class III, open bite, minimal overjet and overbite, mild arch length discrepancy, and spacing in both arches.

With Class III elastics, maintaining control of the incisor torque is critical. Our treatment plan was designed around that from the start, using the Damon Ultima torque prescription to manage the effects of Class III mechanics while maintaining controlled incisor positioning.

Using the Damon Ultima system, we incorporated:
→ Retrocline torque in the upper
→ Procline torque in the lower
→ Intentional bracket positioning for additional overbite
→ Class III elastics from the beginning
→ A phased archwire sequence with minimal adjustments

The result?

14 months. 9 appointments. No archwire bends.

And perhaps most importantly, the final result demonstrates the level of third-order and positional control that can be maintained while using Class III elastics.

🎥 We break down his diagnosis, bracket positioning, torque selection, elastic mechanics, archwire progression, space closure, and finishing in the full case study on YouTube.

Watch the full case to see the mechanics behind the result. Link in bio 🔗

09/03/2026

Predictable aligner results don’t happen by chance.

There’s no single trick that makes every clear aligner case predictable. Every patient brings different biology, anatomy, tolerance, muscle function, and other variables that influence treatment.

What can be controlled is the system behind the treatment.

When diagnosis, treatment planning, aligner design, clinical ex*****on, and the patient experience are refined into a consistent workflow, predictable outcomes become much more repeatable.

That’s the difference between simply doing aligner treatment and building a system that can consistently deliver it.

For those of us treating a high volume of clear aligner cases, the question isn’t just “How do I get this case right?”

It’s “How do I build a system that helps me get it right consistently?”

09/01/2026

Isaac presented with an anterior crossbite, retroclined lower incisors, increased curve of Spee, and a Class III malocclusion.

The treatment plan focused on correcting the anterior crossbite while maintaining appropriate incisor inclination, arch form, and occlusal stability.

Using the Damon Ultima System, Michael Bicknell DDS, MS incorporated strategic variable torque selection, Class III elastics, precise bracket positioning, and a structured Phase 1 → Phase 2 → Phase 3 approach to guide the case to a stable, functional occlusion with a full smile.

14 months. 9 visits. No archwire bends. No broken brackets.

One of the most interesting aspects of this case was managing the anterior crossbite when it couldn’t be jumped during Phase 1.

🎥 Watch the full case study on YouTube (link in bio) as Dr. Bicknell breaks down the diagnosis, Damon Ultima torque selection, mechanics, treatment progression, and finishing strategy behind this Class III correction.