Vortragender Freitag und Samstag:

DDS Morten G. Laursen - Aarhus, Denmark

Morten G. Laursen

Curriculum Vitae Morten G. Laursen Morten G. Laursen received his DDS in 2001 and qualified as a specialist in orthodontics in 2007 from Aarhus University, Denmark. Since 2007, Dr Laursen is employed part time at the Section of Orthodontics, Aarhus University, where he is involved in teaching of pre- and post-graduate students and director of the International Short-Term Course in Orthodontics. He runs a private office limited to orthodontics in Aarhus, Denmark. He is active member and secretary of the Angle Society of Europe 2023-2026.

Vortragender Freitag und Samstag: Morten G. Laursen

1. Malocclusion and tooth wear

Life expectancy is increasing, and the desire to maintain our natural teeth and a beautiful smile throughout our lives is growing. Demands are both aesthetics and function, necessitating the involvement of various disciplines in the prevention and treatment of the worn dentition. The role of orthodontics in preventing tooth wear is a topic of ongoing debate. Is there an association between the bite and tooth wear, and which malocclusions can benefit from orthodontic treatment to reduce wear? When the damage has already occurred, and dental restoration is needed, orthodontics can be immensely helpful and, in many cases, crucial for achieving an optimal solution. Orthodontic treatment can create the necessary space for reconstructing lost tooth substance and align the bite appropriately before the final restorative phase. Often, there will be a requirement for initial interdisciplinary planning and continuous communication between the orthodontist and the dentist, who will build upon the orthodontic results. The presentation aims to illustrate the possibilities of orthodontics and interdisciplinary collaboration regarding the bite and tooth wear.

2. Treatment of patients with reduced periodontal support 

Orthodontics can play an important role in improving the prognosis of periodontally degenerated dentitions, preserving teeth, restoring function, and bringing back the smile. Aesthetics is motivation. Planning and interdisciplinary communication is key. Long-term maintainable results with normal function and improved aesthetics are the goals. What are the orthodontic challenges and possibilities in the management of dentitions with reduced periodontium and often missing teeth. The presentation will focus primarily on planning, biomechanical based appliance design and the interdisciplinary approach to treatment with follow up.

3. Extractions and Space Closure in Orthodontics

…for aesthetics, function, and periodontium

Extractions are often debated and questions are: Why do we extract and when are extractions needed? The indications can be biological and aesthetic aiming for good occlusion with harmonious position of the incisors in the face and in the alveolar bone. The mandibular gingival phenotype and the alveolar bony envelope are determinant factors in the decision to extract. 

In agenesis, space closure can be good solution but challenging to control. However, mini-implant anchorage has been a game changer, and the limits of minimum anchorage can be extended towards “absolute” anchorage.  

Space closure can be performed on continuous wires or with sectional and segmented technique. The choice of approach depends on the initial malocclusion. The objectives are to maximize the effects and minimize the side effects of the appliance. 

The lecture will focus on when to extract and the management of space closure for aesthetics, function, and periodontium.