In Spear’s latest white paper, Dr. Rebecca Bockow explains why the transverse dimension is such a key issue for restorative dentists to consider in their diagnosis and treatment planning.

“What is the Transverse Dimension and Why Do We Care About It?” addresses the critical importance of correcting transverse discrepancies to positively influence a patient's periodontium, occlusion and airway.

In the white paper, Dr. Bockow explains why the transverse dimension and maxillary width are important, including the benefit of preventing dental crowding by ensuring that there is adequate bone to accommodate the erupting dentition. She also addresses how appliance design depends on age, sutural maturity, and overall treatment goals based on the original diagnosis.

Dr. Bockow, a board-certified orthodontist and periodontist who practices in Seattle, joined Spear Resident Faculty in 2018. She is an instructor in Spear’s “Interdisciplinary Management of Esthetic Dilemmas” seminar, which helps dentists grasp how to organize treatment goals, communication and sequencing in challenging, complex esthetic cases by implementing interdisciplinary strategies, leading to more consistently predictable patient outcomes.

An undiagnosed transverse discrepancy “leads to adverse periodontal response, unstable dental camouflage, and less than optimal dentofacial esthetics,” according to one article in the Seminars in Orthodontics journal.

The new white paper addresses why orthodontic expansion can help reduce the likelihood of crowding and recession and offers insights that benefit clinicians seeking to improve interdisciplinary care for patients.