American Journal of ORTHODONTICS

Volume 48, Number 11, N 0 V E MB E R , 1962

ORIGINAL ARTICLES

Rationale of the segmented arch

CHARLES J. BURSTONE, D.D.S., M.S.

Indianapolis, lnd.

THE segmented arch has been designed to deliver relatively light constant forces
with reasonable control over the anchor units. In order to achieve control during
various stages of tooth movement, certain unique principles of design have been
incorporated into the appliance.
The term continuous arch, as it is now commonly applied in orthodontics,
refers to a nonbroken arch wire which is formed around the dental arch and
which, in the ease of a multibanded appliance, connects one bracket or tube
with a bracket on an adjacent tooth. In most cases, the cross section of the wire
which is employed is uniform from one area of the dental arch to the next. The
segmented arch may be thought of as composed of sections of a continuous arch
which are joined or connected together to form a semblance of a continuous arch
wire. Unlike the typical continuous wire, the segmented arch usually consists
of multiple wire cross sections, so that varying wire sizes may be found in
different portions of the arch. A further difference between the continuous and
segmented arches is that a segmented wire does not necessarily connect brackets
and tubes on adjacent teeth. A segmented arch should not be confused with a
sectional arch, which contains portions of a continuous arch wire that are not
joined in any way to form an integral unit. For this reason, many sectional
arches fail to give full control during various types of tooth movement.
A consideration of some of the advantages and disadvantages of segmenta-
tion should prove useful. With this objective in mind, the present discussion
will consider the major reasons for segmentation as well as some typical ex-
amples of segmentation in different stages of treatment.

MTJLTIPLE WIRE CROSS SECTIONS

In the design of an appliance for orthodontic movement, there are different

requirements for those parts of the appliance that function to move teeth and

Presented before the Great Lakes Society of Orthodontists, Miami Beach, Fla.,
Nov. 26 to Dec. 1, 1961.

805
806 Burstone Ant. J. Orthodontics
November 1962

those parts that are responsible for anchorage. To be more specific, we can refer
to those teeth that are to be displaced as the active units and those teeth which
will serve as anchorage as the reactive units. Thus, the active and reactive com-
ponents or members of an appliance are utilized, respectively, for tooth move-
ment and stabilization of teeth.
If we accept the assumption that the most desirable type of tooth movement
is produced by a relatively constant force within an optimal range, then we
will want to design the active components of an appliance so that they will have
desirable spring properties. Specifically, this means that the wires used to move
teeth must possess a relatively low load-deflection rate and a sufficiently high
elastic maximal load so that optimal force levels can be applied safely without
permanent deformation. Load-defiection rate refers to the amount of force
produced for every unit activation of an orthodontic wire or spring, and it can
be seen that the lower the rate the more constant is the force as the tooth moves
from one position to another. Since the load-deflection rate varies directly as
the fourth power of the diameter of round wire and as the third power of the
depth of rectangular flat wire, it is apparent that low load-deflection members
can be designed by reducing the cross section of an arch wire or any of its com-
ponents. The limiting factor in the reduction of cross section is the maximal
elastic load which should not be so reduced as to allow permanent deformation
to occur anywhere near the normal range of appliance activation. If this limit-
ing factor is not observed, permanent deformation may occur as a result of
accidental loading during the activation of the appliance or because of trauma
produced during mastication.
The foregoing discussion suggests that in- designing those components of an
appliance that are to be used for active movement, it is desirable to use wire
cross sections that are as small as possible without sacrificing the necessary free-
dom from permanent deformation. For specialized springs where unidirectional
activations are required, it is frequently desirable to use cross sections that are
flat instead of round for the purpose of increasing total energy absorption by
the springs. A spring of this type is shown in Fig. 1, A, where an anterior
retraction spring is depicted. The anterior retraction spring incorporates suit-
able helices in an 0.008 by 0.020 inch flat wire, As a result of careful considera-
tion of the principles of design19 2 the anterior retraction spring delivers, on
the average, a load-deflection rate of 7 grams per millimeter. If a typical uni-
lateral activation of 80+ grams is to be utilized, it is then necessary to activate
the spring a total of approximately 12 mm. Furthermore, it can be appreciated
that, as the spring works out in the mouth, for every millimeter of tooth move-
ment, the force magnitude will not dramatically reduce but will change only
about 7 grams for each unit displacement; thus, a relatively constant force to
the incisors will be maintained. A lateral view of the anterior retraction as-
sembly with the retraction spring activated is shown in Fig. 1, B. Finally, Fig.
1, C depicts a maxillary superposition demonstrating anterior retraction during
an eleven-week period (maximal force levels, 94 grams per side). The anterior
retraction mechanism demonstrates the use of a small and noncircular wire cross
section for the delivery of optimal constant force.
Vdume 48
Number 11 Rationale of segmented arch 807

Fig. 1. Anterior retraction. A, Anterior retraction spring. B, Anterior retraction assembly

(intraoral view). C, Tracing showing anterior retraction in eleven weeks with anterior
retraction assembly (maxillary superposition).

On the other hand, those parts of the appliance that are concerned with the
preservation of anchor or reactive units require a relatively rigid wire. This
means a member that has a high load-deflection rate. If a rigid wire connects
anchor teeth, a more uniform stress distribution will be produced in the perio-
dontal membrane than if teeth are allowed to tip as units on their natural
centers of rotation. The effect of a rigid attachment is to enhance the anchorage
potential of these units. Not only is anchorage enhanced in this sense, but as
the wire becomes more rigid between anchor teeth reactive forces from the
808 Burstone Am. J. 0rthodmti.c.s
November 1962

Fig. 2. Posterior stabilizing unit. During space closure the posterior segmlents are trea .ted as
a rij ;id unit.

Fig. 3. Cuspid rertraction. A, Cuspid-retraction spring. B, Cuspid-retract& m asIseml: 1ly (Iintra-

or&l vie WI.
Volume 48
Number 11 Rationale of segmented arch 809

appliance are less likely to disturb the teeth immediately adjacent to the points
of force application. Generally enhanced anchorage potential and minimization
of undesirable side effects are two practical results that can be obtained by
increasing the rigidity between reactive units.
A typical anchorage unit is seen in Fig. 2, where a posterior stabilizing unit
is shown. This unit is used to preserve the integrity of the posterior segment
during space closure. A right and left posterior segment fabricated of 0.0215
by 0.02! inch stainless steel wire is placed in the brackets and tubes on the
posterior teeth. In a sense, then, the right and left posterior segments which
have been joined across the palate act as if one large bilateral tooth were
present.
It should be evident that, ideally, in the design of an orthodontic appliance
several different wire cross sections are required. If the active units are to be
considered, relatively small wire cross sections are needed to deliver light
(optimal) constant forces. On the other hand, the orthodontist is faced with
the problem of rigidly connecting the anchor or reactive units with wire of a
relatively large cross section. One of the objectives of segmentation is to
assure that the proper cross section of wire is utilized for both tooth movement
and stabilization. This may be accomplished by combining within the same arch
both light and heavy wires.
The stage of cuspid retraction demonstrates the combining of heavy and light
wires for maximal control (Fig. 3, A and B). A distal force is placed by a light
0.008 by 0.020 inch 18-8 stainless steel cuspid-retraction spring. This spring
also delivers the necessary couples so that the cuspids will not rotate during
distal movement and so that the center of rotation will be maintained at the
apex. The depression forces to the canine and the reciprocal moment tending
to tip back the posterior segments and to elevate them are produced by a
gingival bend in the base segment (depression segment) which is fabricated of
0.015 by 0.028 inch steel wire. The posterior segments are stabilized by heavy
0.0215 by 0.028 inch buccal segments as well as the transpalatal lingual arch
Intraoral views showing cuspid retraction in a patient are seen in Fig. 4, A. The
headplate tracing using a maxillary superposition is seen in Fig. 4, B. The
time of cuspid retraction was twelve weeks (maximum force magnitude was
approximately 175 grams).
There are other reasons, besides simultaneous concern over active and
reactive units, for combining different wire cross sections in the same arch.
Often different types of movement are required in various parts of the mouth,
and hence it is desirable to utilize different cross sections to meet the needs of
any area.
For instance, if unidirectional bending is required, the optimal cross
section that can be used is round. A bundle of nine pieces of 0.006 inch wire
ligated to an anterior segment will offer a high degree of flexibility in all planes
of space (Fig. 5, A). It is capable of reaching out and aligning teeth that are
displaced incisogingivally as well as labiolingually. By virtue of the round
cross section of each wire of the bundle, one finds uniform bending properties in
all directions. If one is interested in unidirectional bending (that is, bending
 Am. J. Orthodolztics
8 10 Burstone November 1962

B.
Fig. 4. Cuspid retraction after twelve weeks (maximum force, 17.5 grams). A, Intraoral views.
B, Headplate-maxillary superposition; center of rotation has been maintained at the apex
of the cuspid.

in one direction only), the optimal cross section is not round but flat wire.
An 0.010 by 0.020 inch laminate (Fig. 5, B), if oriented occlnsogingivally,
offers a great deal of flexibility in an occlusogingival direction, but it is
relatively rigid buccolingually. Such a laminate is helpful in leveling the pas
terior segment and in reducing occlusogingival discrepancies but has very little
effect on rotations or any other types of buccolingual discrepancy. A single
0.010 by 0.020 inch wire placed ribbonwise in the brackets and tubes as a seg-
ment or as a continuous wire, although capable of some occlusogingival leveling,
Volume 48 Rationale of segmented arch 811
Number 11

operates primarily to reduce buccolingual discrepancies, including rotations

(Fig. 5, C). Since tooth alignment problems may be radically different from
one segment of the dental arch to another, it would appear to be highly useful
to vary the cross sections in an arch. In that way, optimal wire properties can
be utilized to the fullest for the specific purposes at hand.
If the magnitude of force that is required (optimal force) is considered as
well as the directionality of the movement, it once again becomes apparent that
the same magnitudes should not be used in different parts of the mouth; hence,
different cross sections should be employed to deliver the required force. For
example, in using a multiple-loop arch, as shown in Fig. 5, D, for purposes of
tooth alignment (particularly rotations), I prefer to use 0,016 inch wire in the
posterior segments and 0.012 inch wire in the lower anterior segment. If 0.016
inch wire were used in the lower anterior segment, with typical adjustments,
an excessive pain response and hypermobility would be observed. For that
reason, during the initial leveling phases of treatment the wire cross sections of
the posterior segments are usually heavier than those found in the anterior
segmen.t.
The final reason for employing multiple cross sections in the same arch is
that a combination of different cross sections may be used for more complicated
types of tooth movement. One example of this approach is seen in Fig. 6, where
nine pieces of 0.006 inch wire are utilized in the lower anterior region for the
 Am. J. O?#bodo~tiCS
8 12 Burstone November 1962

alignment of the incisors and where an auxiliary 0.015 by 0.028 inch base arc’11
simultaneously applies a gingival or depressive force to the incisors. The
depression arch acts to eliminate deep overbite and to elevate and tip back the
posterior segment. In this case a number of forces are acting on the incisors
-alignment forces from the section of bundle mire between the brackets and
depressive forces from the depression arch.

Fig. 6. Anterior depression and leveling. Nine strands of 0.006 inch wire lie in the brackets
of the mandibular incisors. An 0.015 by 0.028 inch depressive arch is attached to the anterior
segment in the midline.

The utilization of different wire sizes in the same arch has numerous
advantages. It allows the simultaneous use of light wires for active units and
heavy wires for the reactive units; it enables the orthodontist to tailor the size
of the wire to the type of tooth movement that is required; and finally, it makes
possible the combination of different-sized wires acting in one area of an arch
to effect more complicated types of tooth movement.
INCREASING THE INTERBRACKET DISTANCE

One of the problems of the continuous arch in a multibanded appliance is

t,he short distance that is found between brackets and tubes. As a result, the
load-deflection rate of a continuous wire will be relatively high; that is, con-
siderable force will be exerted for every unit of activation. If smaller wires
are utilized, the load-deflection rate can be lowered, but often this is at the
expense of the maximal elastic load. As a result of too small a cross section,
deformation may occur following an activation. To be sure, the interbracket
distance can be increased by reducing the mesiodistal diameters of the brackets.
The gain of additional distance, however, is sharply limited by the room avail-
able between teeth.
By segmenting, we have unlimited possibilities in increasing the distance
between points of force application. No longer is the operator limited by an
arch wire which must go in sequence from one bracket to the next. In the
depression arch (Fig. ‘7, A), depression is placed on the anterior teeth by a
0.021. by 0.025 inch member which runs from the mesial surface of the first
Volume 48
Number :I1
Rationale of segmented arch 8 13

molar all the way around the arch to the midline between the two central in-
cisors. The added length of wire significantly decreases the load-deflection
rate of the depression arch, so that a more constant apically directed force is
placed upon the incisors. It should be remembered that in a simple configu-
ration, as a cantilever, the load-deflection rate varies inversely as the third power
of the length, and, for that reason, small increases in the length of the wire can

Fig. 7. Anterior depression. A, Depression is placed on the incisors by a gingival bend in

the long 0.021 by 0.025 inch member which attaches to an accessory tube on the b&al
stabilizing segment. B and C, Maxillary superpositions demonstrating depression with 75
grams of total force to the four incisors.

dramatically reduce the load-deflection rate, Two headplate tracings are shown
in Fig. 7, B and C. The maxillary superpositions illustrate genuine depression
of anterior teeth with very little elevation of the molars3* 4 The two patients
were part of an experimental study in which a total of 75 grams (load-
deflection rate, 11 grams per millimeter) was placed on four maxillary incisors
by a depression arch. Right and left first molars were the only anchor teeth.
The time interval was seven months.
There are other methods that could be employed for the purpose of reducing
the force per unit activation, such as the addition of wire in the form of a helix.
One of the advantages of using a longer length of wire is that it is not necessary
 Am. J. Orthodolztics
8 14 Burstone November 1962

to incorporate helices; therefore, the configuration of wire is simpler to fabri-

cate and more hygienic.
If we desire, in a given activation, a single force as opposed to moments
and forces, it can be seen that less change in force direction occurs if the wire
member is long. This is demonstrated by two depression arches shown in Fig. 8.
Short and long depression arches acting upon the bracket of the lower incisor
are shown diagrammatically. The shorter depression arch shows a greater
change of direction for the same number of millimeters of activation in
comparison to the longer one. Thus it is that longer members developed by a
segmental approach to appliance design not only deliver more constant force
magnitudes but also are less likely to change the force direction as teeth move
to new positions.

AA

Fig. 8. Schematic diagram of depression arch acting against lower anterior teeth. Shaded
box-restraining tube. Free end at right distributes gingival forces to the incisors. The
force direction on the arm (A) changes less than the short arm (B) as the anterior teeth are
depressed.

There is still another problem that arises as a result of the small distance
normally found between brackets. The lack of space limits the amount of
horizontal activation of retraction springs during space closure. This is no
real problem with springs that have high load-deflection rates, as an 0.021 by
0.025 inch edgewise vertical loop. It is problematical, however, with such low
load-deflection rate springs as the anterior retraction spring previously
mentioned. The anterior retraction spring has an average load-deflection rate
of 7 grams per millimeter, which means that 12 mm. of activation is required to
build up the force values past 80 grams, a level which currently seems optimal
for the retraction of a central and a lateral incisor (if torque is used for root
control) in the maxillary arch. During the last phases of anterior retraction, it
would not be possible in a continuous arch to have sufficient room to activate
a spring of this type a full 12 mm. Segmentation does allow sufficient hori-
zontal dimensions for activations of 12 mm. or greater. As can be seen from
Fig. 1, B, the spring does not depend upon attachment to the adjacent cuspid
 Rationale of segmented arch 815

bracket but, rather, attaches to the long depression segment which has its
origin further posteriorly.
Increasing the distance between points of force application may play three
important roles in the distribution of forces to active units: (1) it lowers
the load-deflection rate or, in torsion, the torque-twist rate; (2) it minimizes
changes in force direction during tooth movement; and (3) it increases the space
available for long activations, which is a necessity in springs that have low
load-deflection rates. Since there are inherent limitations in increasing the
distance between brackets, the segmented arch technique takes adra,ntage of
arch wires that are not necessarily continuous from one bracket to the next on
adjacent teeth.

Fig. 9. Undesirable side effects produced on adjacent brackets during cuspid root movement
with a continuous arch. The premolars depress and the anterior teeth elevate. Only the
moment on the cuspid is shown.

NONCONTINUOUS FORCE DISTRIBUTION

Fundamentally, in the continuous arch forces are distributed from one

bracket or tube to the adjacent bracket or tube. As one attempts to move a
tooth by bends or twists in a continuous arch wire, reactive forces are placed
on the adjacent teeth, which may produce undesirable side effects. The actions
and reactions of a continuous arch are quite complicated, and in most
instances the force system is statically indeterminate.
The unwanted side effects that can be produced in tooth movement can be
demonstrated by the following example. Let us suppose that, following cuspid
retraction, the cuspid has an undesirable axial inclinabion with the root mesial
to the crown (Fig. 9). If a continuous wire were placed in all of the brackets
around the arch, a number of desirable and undesirable actions and reactions
would occur. In the first place, a twisting force or moment would be placed
upon the cuspids. This, together with a distal restraint on the cuspid from a
tieback, would cause the cuspid to rotate around the bracket, producing root
movement. This aspect of the force system is desirable. Furthermore, if
8 16 Burstone Am. J. Orthodontics
November 1962

symmetry existed in interbracket distances anterior and posterior to the cuspid

bracket, no elevation or depression of the cuspid would occur. On the other
hand, undesirable reactive forces would be placed on the teeth anterior and
posterior to the cuspid brackets. On the anterior teeth, an incisal force would
be acting to erupt the central and lateral incisors, while the second premolar
would be subjected to a gingival force. In the present discussion, the moments
acting upon the premolar and the anterior teeth, produced by the restraint of
a bracket, will be ignored, since they are relatively small in comparison to
the other forces that are present. From the foregoing analysis, it is apparent
that the most obvious side effect produced during cuspid root movement is the
supraeruption of the anterior teeth, a movement that is relatively easy to effect,
even with low-magnitude forces. Alt,hough the cuspid bracket may appear to
be better aligned after the placement of a continuous arch wire, part of this
alignment does not represent genuine root movement; rather, it indicates the
establishment of a reverse curve of Spee in the maxillary arch and the
incisal tipping of the occlusal plane in the anterior region. The actions and
reactions that have been shown are the result of the immediate forces which are
distributed following the placement of an arch of this type. It should be
pointed out that these actions and reactions are responsible for the effects that
are seen at the next appointment or series of appointments following the adjust-
ment. They are of more concern to the clinician than some of the secondary
responses that will occur following initial correction of the cuspid roots and
elevation of the incisors.
The undesirable side effects that have just been discussed become more
noticeable with continuous arch wires that have (I) smaller cross sections, (2)
a great deal of play between the arch wire and the bracket, or (3) added flexi-
bility produced by loops and other configurations of the wire.
Any design factor which tends to reduce the rigidity of the arch wire
adjacent to the bracket of the tooth to be moved (in this case, the cuspid) will
increasingly allow the reciprocal forces to displace adjacent teeth. On the
other hand, if a perfectly rigid wire were used, the reactive forces would then be
distributed around the arch and the side effects would not be localized at ad-
jacent teeth. In this instance, during cuspid root movement the reactive forces
would tend to displace the entire arch, with the reacting moment twisting the
anterior part of the arch incisally and the posterior portion gingivally. In other
words, the entire arch would act as an anchorage unit. Unfortunately, a rigid
arch is not effective for correcting axial inclinations of cuspids, since the
rigidity prevents engagement of the heavy wire into a poorly aligned bracket.
In one sense, the continuous arch thinks for the orthodontist, since it auto-
matically selects adjacent teeth as anchor teeth for a given type of movement.
If we want to control anchorage intelligently, it is apparent that anchor teeth
should be selected according to the needs of the case, and not by accident. By
segmentation of arches, it is possible to select those anchor teeth which offer the
greatest potential without regard to the position of these teeth within the arch.
An example of the potentialities of segmentation can be illustrated with a
mechanism that has been used for cuspid root movement.
 Rationale of segmented arch 8 1’7

A continuous 0.021 by 0.025 inch arch wire is placed in all the tubes and
brackets except those of the canine, where the arch wire is stepped gingivally to
allow for the placement of a root spring. The root spring is prefabricated of
0.015 by 0.028 inch wire with an insert to allow positive placement in the cuspid
bracket. It should be noted that in the passive position the posterior arm lies
ginglvally and the anterior arm lies incisally ; as the spring arms are deflected
and hooked on the continuous arch, a gingival force is produced anteriorly and
an occlusal force posteriorly (Fig. 10, A and B) . The ensuing moment plus a

33.
Fig. 10. Cuspid root movement with the segmented arch. a, Cuspid spring (passive).
B, Cuspid spring (activated). Anchor unit made of 0.021 by 0.025 inch mire stepped around
the cuspid. Cuspid spring made of 0.015 by 0.028 inch wire.

cuspid Ceback constitutes the force system responsible for root movement. Of
interest here is the fact that these forces are not distributed primarily to the
adjacent teeth but, rather, to the entire rigid 0.021 by 0.025 inch arch. Thus,
if there is any displacement of the reactive units it will be in the nature of an
occlusal tipping of the entire maxillary arch in its anterior aspect. If the
moment is kept relatively low, such displacement is less likely (Fig. 11). By
segmenting, it is possible to use a spring with a low torque-twist rate for cuspid
root movement and at the same time employ the rigidity of an 0.021 by 0.025
 Am. J. Orthodontics
8 18 Burstom November 1962

inch edgewise wire for stabilization of the remainder of the teeth in the arch.
The reactive forces during cuspid root movement are thereby distributed to all
of the teeth in the arch, instead of primarily to the adjacent teeth as in con-
tinuous arch mechanics.

E’ig. 11. Mandibular cuspid root movement-4,000 gram-millimeters utilizing 0.015 by 0.028
inch cuspid root spring (eleven weeks).

MINIMAL ARCH FABRICATION

Traditionally, with continuous arch therapy a number of full arches are

made during treatment to produce varying types of tooth movement. Continual
replacement of arches is required not only to effect major tooth movement
but many times for rather minor corrections. As a result, a large amount of
time is spent in fabricating, tying, and untying wires during treatment.
In the segmental approach to treatment, the continual replacement of arches
is not required. For instance, in the extraction type of ease, posterior segments
are initially leveled. This is followed by the placement of a heavy 0.0215 by
0.028 inch posterior stabilizing segment with an auxiliary tube. The posterior
segment remains in place throughout the entire course of space closure, and in
many cases, it may be utilized until the time of debanding. Throughout the
course of treatment it is only the base arch (or segment) with its auxiliary
springs that is replaced as treatment proceeds from one stage to the next.
Fundamentally, one basic ‘ (arch ’ ’ is employed for every treatment step. There
are a number of other reasons why this aspect of segmentation is helpful besides
the fact that time is saved because of the reduction in the number of arch wires
that have to be made. It is much easier for most technicians and orthodontists to
construct an accurate arch in segments than to incorporate a complicated
number of twists and bends in a continuous wire. Small segments can easily be
read relative to the brackets and the specific adjustment needed can be
accurately produced. For instance, a heavy posterior segment of 0.0215 by
0.028 inch wire is tied in the early stages of treatment. The segment, by
virtue of its size, can be accurately fabricated to maintain or alter the po&&n
Volume 48 Rationale of segmented arch 819
Number 11

of the teeth in the posterior region, depending upon the needs of the case.
Furthermore, this posterior segment will remain in place during all stages of
treatment; hence, one does not have the problem of attempting .to reproduce
identical wire configurations to maintain passivity. It is believed that the
minimization of extraneous forces produced by nonpassive arch wires in the
posterior segment may well enhance the anchorage potential during space clo-
sure. Segmentation not only simplifies treatment by reducing the number of
required wires but also simplifies the problems of accurately fabricating and
reading a wire.
With the use of smaller segments that are connected together, the possibili-
ties for prefabrication are sharply increased. Inherent difficulties arise in any
attempt to prefabricate a relatively complicated type of continuous arch. When
the segmental approach is used, it is quite simple to have available adjustable
segments or specialized springs that have been made ahead of time. This not
only saves time but, once again, makes for greater accuracy in design as it
simplifies the calibration of forces delivered by the appliance. This is particu-
larly true of the specialized springs that may be used for tooth movement. Pre-
fabrication assures uniformity of size and form; hence, it is possible to deter-
mine the delivered force by means of a table based on laboratory data. Table I,

Table I. Loud-deflection characteristics for anterior retra.ction spring (10 mm.,

0.008 by 0.020 inch wire)

Deflection Load, (sm.)

(mm.) Activation Deactivation

1 13 7
2 24 15
3 32 22
4 4s 31
5 49 39
6 57 44
7 63 50
8 70 57
9 76 63
10 82 69
11 89 77
12 99 88
13 108 94
14 119 105
15 128 116
16 140 132
17 154 t

which gives the load-deflection characteristics for an 0.008 by 0.020 inch anterior
retraction spring, is typical of the data sheets which are used to determine spring
activations. Since it is difficult to get accurate force readings intraorally by
means of the Richmond gauge or other types of force gauge (mainly because of
improper loading), such tables offer one of the most accurate methods of ascer-
taining the magnitude of orthodontic forces.
 820 Burstone

FORCE CALIBRATION

A very strong case can be built for understanding and knowing the magni-
tude of force delivered for different types of tooth movement. Since force mag-
nitude is one of the variables that the orthodontist can control during treatment,
it is one that he should take full advantage of in his clinical procedures. In a
continuous edgewise mechanism employing a full arch from molar to molar, it
is exceedingly difficult to determine accurately the magnitudes of force de-
livered. The actions and reactions, which include forces and moments, are so
complicated that they cannot be determined by ordinary methods employed in
statics. Since they are statically indeterminate, it, is not possible for the clinician
to know the set of forces delivered from his appliance unless he removes the ap-
pliance from the mouth and measures it with suitable equipment which, inri-
dentally, would be rather complicated in design.

Fig. 12. SPI ,ing tester. Electronic micrometer and scale simultaneously m .eamu1 .e load and
defle

With a segmented technique, the important active components, such as

retraction springs and depression segments, can be calibrated in the laboratory
(Figs. 12 and 13). Useful tables can then be established which inform the
operator concerning the number of grams delivered for a given degree or milli-
meter of activation. Since there is some variation in the cross section and con-
figuration of springs, as well as in their orientation in the mouth, these tables
are but approximations or averages of typical load-deflection rates. Tables of
Volume 48 Ration& of segmented arch 821
Number 11

this type are quite convenient to use in preference to direct force measurement
in the mouth and, as a rule, are considerably more accurate.
Force calibration is simplified in the segmented arch for several reasons.
First, in many instances the point of support is not a rigid restraint, as with a
typical bracket, and therefore the system may be statically determinate. Second,
by removing the springs or flexible member from the mouth and measuring
in the laboratory, it is possible to reproduce the full set of forces and moments
that would be acting on the member. Third, because of anatomic limitations,
it is not always possible to employ a force gauge in the mouth with proper
direction. The proper direction of loadin, s can be assured in a laboratory test,
and segments may be so tested in the laboratory. Fourth, the prefabrication of
springs and other flexible members assures relative uniformity in force response,
since closer tolerances can be observed in their fabrication.

Fig. 13. Torque gauge. Moments produced during typical activations are measured hy the
torque gauge.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Although traditionally, in multibanding appliances, continuous arch wires

have been used for various stages of therapy, certain disadvantages to their use
should be considered. Conversely, segmentation of an arch can enhance treat-
ment in a number of ways:
1. Segmentation offers the possibility of using multiple wire cross
sections within the same arch. This permits a great deal of versatility
in the selection of the proper cross section for a given tooth movement by
optimal constant force. It also allows the selection in the same arch of
heavy cross sections which are needed to control the anchor teeth.
2. Segmentation increases the distance between points of force ap-
plication. The increased dimension lowers the load-deflection rate of the
wire, minimizes directional changes as teeth move, and makes available
 8 2 2 Burstone Am. J. Orthodontics
November 1962

space for the long activations that are needed in springs with low load-
deflection rates.
3. Unlike the continuous arch wire, in which actions and reactions
may occur between adjacent teeth, segmental principles can be used for
a better distribution of forces around the arch to those teeth that are
most able t,o withstand displacement. Reactive forces and moments
may cancel themselves if they are properly distributed to an anchorage
unit.
4. By its very nature, a segmented arch can be prefabricated so as
to not only increase ofice eficiency but give greater accuracy to the
orthodontist in force control.
5. Prefabricated springs of various types can easily be calibrated,
and convenient tables which give the force delivered for any given degree
or millimeter of activation may be constructed.
6. Since, in segmentation, only those parts of the arch that are in-
volved in a subsequent stage of treatment need be fabricated, duplication
of parts is kept to a minimum.
The purpose of this article has not been to advocate one particular tech-
nique of treatment but, rather, to demonstrate the possibilities of segmentation
in multibanding appliances. Progress in the design of orthodontic appliances
will be associated with refinements in those members that are designed to move
teeth and particularly in those members that function for purposes of anchor-
age control.
REFERENCES

1. Burstone, C. J., Baldwin, J. J., and Lawless, D. T.: The Application of Continuous Forces
to Orthodontics, Angle Ort.hodontist 31: l-14, 1961.
2. Timoshenko, 5.: Strength of Materials, ed. 3, New York, 1955, D. Van Nostrand Company.
3. Sloan, D.: Force Values for Maxillary Anterior Depression, Master’s Thesis, Indiana
University, 1961.
4. Indiana University, Department of Orthodontics : Unpublished Data.