Significance of occlusal plane control in orthodontic treatment

Professor Emeritus and former Academic Dean of Kanagawa Dental University, Yokosuka, Japan. Director of Research Institute of Occlusion Medicine at Kanagawa Dental University. International authority on craniomandibular orthodontics and developer of the MEAW (Multiloop Edgewise Archwire) technique. Faculty member of IDEA (Interdisciplinary Dental Education Academy), Foster City, California.

Over 54 years of academic and clinical experience in orthodontics since joining Kanagawa Dental College as Assistant in 1971. Promoted to Assistant Professor (1979), Associate Professor (1988), and Full Professor (1996). Served as Academic Dean of Kanagawa Dental University (2010-2014) and Academic Dean of Shonan Junior College (2011-2014). Founded and served as President of Japanese MEAW Technique and Research Foundation (1991-2001). Visiting Professor at Tufts University School of Dentistry, Boston, USA (2004), and Danube University Krems, Austria (2001).

International pioneer in non-extraction and non-surgical orthodontic treatment based on developmental mechanism of malocclusion. Developed MEAW technique and GEAW (Gummetal Edgewise Archwire) system enabling three-dimensional control of occlusal plane, correction of vertical dimension, and mandibular repositioning without extractions or surgery. Research focus on maxillofacial growth, changes in occlusal vertical height and occlusal plane, mandibular adaptation mechanisms, relationship between occlusal plane inclination and TMJ disorders, and effectiveness of orthodontic treatment for TMD. International lecturer teaching craniomandibular orthodontics worldwide for over 40 years.

DDS from Kanagawa Dental College (1971). DDSc (Doctor of Dental Science). Active member of E.H. Angle Society of Orthodontists (since 1992). Faculty member of IDEA teaching three-year orthodontic program on "Orthodontics Related to Function, Occlusion and the Cranio-Mandibular System." Published extensively on MEAW and GEAW techniques, occlusal plane control, vertical dimension management, TMJ-orthodontic relationships, and non-surgical treatment of skeletal malocclusions. Trained hundreds of orthodontists worldwide in MEAW/GEAW philosophy through IDEA courses and international workshops. Recognized globally as one of the most influential orthodontists in functional occlusion and craniomandibular orthodontics.