Enamel stripping and the spring aligner appliance--an update

Irregularity of the mandibular incisors in an otherwise good occlusion is quite common in young adult patients. Through use of enamel stripping in the incisor region, it is possible to create sufficient space to align the teeth with a mandibular sectional removable appliance, commonly known as the spring aligner. This article reviews the methods of enamel stripping and describes the author's preferred technique of enamel stripping and the various modifications of the spring aligner appliances that can be prescribed by the general practitioner to correct mandibular anterior crowding.