The importance of reducing overbite before overjet with initial treatment mechanics

Rapid overjet reduction commonly experienced with the ribbon arch bracket may inadvertently have a major influence on profile control. The main purpose of this paper is to warn of the danger of early upper incisor retraction, particularly in the deep bite patient in whom the upper incisor retraction itself is the direct cause of the backward mandibular rotation. The paper explores the incisor interference phenomenon as a major cause of backward mandibular rotations and suggests means of avoiding incisor interference by modification of the treatment plan and treatment mechanics. To provide the best treatment results, initial treatment mechanics should be modified so that reduction of overbite takes priority over reduction of overjet.