A quick and inexpensive means of treating mild lower anterior spacing.

1. Isolate and etch the facial and buccal surfaces of the lower central incisors and first premolars. 2. Using a light-cured adhesive, bond ceramic brackets* with posts for elastic placement directly to the lower first premolars. Position the posted brackets on the mesial contours of the premolars to minimize unwanted rotations, tilting them slightly to the mesial to make elastic placement easier. 3. Place light-cured composite buttons on the incisal third of the lower central incisors to keep the elastic from slipping over the incisal edges during swallowing. 4. Attach a light, 3.5oz, /16" elastic between the lower first premolar brackets, below the composite buttons. A stronger elastic may cause unwanted rotation of the premolars. 5. Instruct the patient to change the elastic no more than two or three times a day. More frequent activation may also result in undesirable premolar rotation. 6. One week later, if space consolidation is complete, bond a fixed lingual retainer, incorporating the teeth distal to the spacing. Debond the ceramic brackets.