[Tweed-Merrifield technique and vertical dimension in hyperdivergent Class II]

The cases presented in this paper share a common skeletal characteristic, hyperdivergence, a common therapeutic strategy, similar diagnostic elements, and a common choice of non-symmetrical extractions. Interceptive treatment is especially useful for this type of malocclusion to prevent deep over-bites, atypical habits, and severe malocclusion. In the Tweed-Merrifeld technique, orthodontists use careful dental, occlusal, cephalometric, and esthetic evaluations to establish an appropriate treatment plan and therapeutic strategy whose goal will be: to eliminate unhealthy compensations, re-position, if necessary, alveolar structures on basal bone, reduce anterior-posterior and vertical discrepancies, favor anterior mandibular rotation, improve facial esthetics, restore functional occlusion, and assure stability of results. Because of its consistent capability of achieving predictable resolution of the most varied and complex orthodontic disorders, the author has chosen this technique for routine use in his daily orthodontic practice.