BIOMECHANICS OF RETRACTION

✽ Introduction
✽ Common Terminologies in Biomechanics
✽ Classification of Retraction Mechanics
✽ Biomechanics of Retraction

Sliding Mechanics Separate Canine Retraction

Frictionless Mechanics En masse Space closure

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the term BIOMECHANICS: -

BIOLOGY + MECHANICS = BIOMECHANICS

 Orthodontic tooth movement results from application of forces to the teeth.

 These forces are produced by appliances (wires, brackets, elastics)
 The cells of the periodontium, which respond to these forces, are unaware of
bracket design, wire shape and alloy.
 Their activity is solely based on stresses and strains occurring in their
environment, which are the mechanical stimuli.
 Orthodontic problems are result of mechanical forces and their correction
depends on mechanical forces
 In orthodontics, biomechanics is commonly used in discussion of the reaction
of the dental and facial structures to orthodontic force, whereas, mechanics is
reserved for the properties of the strictly mechanical components of the
appliance system.
 COMMON TERMINOLOGIES:
 FORCE
 MASS
 CENTER OF MASS (C.M.)
 CENTER OF RESISTANCE (Cres)
 CENTER OF ROTATION (Crot)
 MOMENT
 COUPLE
 MOMENT OF FORCE (MF)
 MOMENT OF COUPLE (MC)

FORCE
 An act upon a body that changes or tends to change the state of rest or motion
of body.
 Though defined in units of Newton, it is usually measured in grams or ounces.
 In orthodontics, forces are obtained in a variety of ways. Deflection of wires,
activation of springs, elastics and magnets are the common means of
producing orthodontic force.

MASS AND WEIGHT:

 The mass of any body is the quantity of matter it contains.

CENTER OF MASS (C.M.):

 The point at which the mass of a body may be considered to be concentrated is
known as center of mass.
 It is called Centre of mass in gravity free environment and centre of gravity in
environment where gravity is present.
 CENTER OF RESISTANCE (Cres):

 For an object in free

space, the center of
resistance is the same as
the center of mass.

 Since the tooth is

partially restrained, as its
root is partly embedded
in bone, its centre of
gravity shifts apically
and is then referred to as
centre of resistance.

 In a healthy tooth with an intact PDL, the centre of resistance is

presumed to be somewhere between 1/3rd to ½ the distance
from alveolar crest to root apex.
The center of resistance depends upon,
✽ Root length and morphology
✽ Number of roots
✽ Level of alveolar bone support.

The exact
location of Cres for a tooth is not easily identified.
 Cres for single rooted teeth with normal alveolar bone levels is about 1/3 rd to
½ of the distance from the cemento-enamel junction, to the root apex. Cres
for multirooted teeth lies just below the furcation area, i.e. 1-2 mm apical to
the furcation.
 Although its precise location is typically unknown, it is important to have a
conceptual awareness of Cres in selecting and activating an orthodontic
appliance.
 The relationship of the force system acting on the tooth to the Cres determines
the type of tooth movement expressed. It is the point through which pure force
will produce only translation i.e. all the points on the tooth moving in parallel
straight line.

CENTER OF ROTATION (Crot):

 It is the point around which rotation actually occurs when an object is being
moved. Depending upon the force system applied, the center of rotation may
vary.
E.g. In case of controlled tipping center of rotation will be at root apex while
in case of perfect translation it will be at infinity.

mMOMENT:

A moment is defined as tendency to rotate

Moment = Force x Perpendicular distance from Cres

to point of force application
  It is product of force times the perpendicular distance from the point of the
force application and to the center of the resistance.
 If the line of action of an applied force does not pass through the center of
resistance, the force will produce some rotation.
 Thus it is measured in the unit of gm-mm.

The potential for rotation is measured as moment two factors determine MF.
1) Magnitude of force
2) Distance.

COUPLE:

 Two forces equal in magnitude and opposite in direction produce couple. The
result of applying two forces in this way is a pure moment, since translatory
effect of the forces cancels out.

 A couple will produce pure rotation, spinning the object around its Cres.
 The moment of a couple is the product of one of the forces times the distance
between the two forces. This distance is called “the moment arm of the
couple”.

 When
the tooth
is

embedded in alveolar bone, we cannot apply a couple with one force on the
crown and the other force on the root.

 A force of 100 gm acting at a distance of 10 mm from the Cres

of a tooth, produces a clockwise or negative moment of 1000 gm-mm which
will cause the tooth to tip.
 10mm

Tipping
100 Gms

1000gm-mm

 Since tipping is undesirable, we must generate a counter balancing moment of

1000 gm-mm so that a bodily movement is obtained.
 This can be achieved by twisting the anterior segment of the rectangular wire
and fitting it into a rectangular slot. Once the wire is engaged in the bracket
slot it generates an “Inherent moment of couple”, which is nothing but the
couple produced within the wire itself. In a rectangular wire, the moment arm
is the depth of the bracket, which is very small.

Inherent couple acting at

Inherent a distance from the Cres
moment producing secondary
moment of a couple
of a couple

TYPES OF TOOTH MOVEMENT:

Basic tooth movements are categories into,

1. Tipping
2. Translation
3. Root movement
4. Rotation
Each movement is the result of variation of the applied moment and force (either by
magnitude or point of application).

Tipping: Is greater movement of the crown of the tooth than that of the root. Crot is
apical to the Cres.
Tipping can be further classified on the basis of the location of the center of rotation
as Uncontrolled tipping and controlled tipping.

Uncontrolled tipping

A horizontal force at the level of bracket will cause movements of the root
apex and crown in opposite directions.
This is simplest type of tooth movement. It requires single force and no
applied moment.

Crot lies just below the Cres.

Controlled tipping

It is achieved by an application of force to move the crown, as done in

uncontrolled tipping and application of a moment to control or maintain
the position of the root apex. Crot lies at the root apex
 M/F ratio = 7:1

Translation:

This type of tooth movement is also known as ‘bodily movement’.

Translation of a tooth takes place when the root apex and crown move the
same distance and in the same direction.
A horizontal force applied at the Cres of a tooth will result in this type of
tooth movement.
However, the bracket where the force application takes place is at a
distance from the Cres. This force alone applied at the bracket will not
result in translation. To achieve translation at the level of the bracket, a
couple of forces are required that are equivalent to the force system
through the Cres of tooth.

Point of force application – Cres

Center of Rotation – Infinity.
M/F = 10:1
 Root movement (TORQUE):

Root movement is achieved by keeping the crown of a tooth stationary and

applying a moment and force to move only the root.
Root movement is termed as ‘torque’.
Point of force application – a point apical to the Cres
Center of Rotation – at the incisal edge or bracket.

Pure rotation:

This type of tooth movement occurs

when tooth rotates about its center of
resistance.
A couple is required to produce pure
rotation.

The simplest way to determine how a tooth will move is to consider the ratio between
moments created when a force is applied to the crown of a tooth (moment of force
MF) and the counter balancing moment generated by a couple within the bracket
(moment of couple Mc).
 MC/MF = 0 Pure tipping (tooth rotates around the Cres).

0 < MC/MF < 1 Controlled tipping (Inclination of tooth

changes but the Crot is displaced away from
the Cres and the root and crown move in the
same direction.)

MC/MF= 1 Bodily movement (equal movement of

crown and root)

MC/MF > 1 Torque (Root apex moves further than

crown)

FORCE SYSTEMS:
In order to achieve the described tooth movements, the proper force system is a
critical requirement. The following factors related to the force system are potentially
under the control of the clinician.
1. Moment-to-force ratio
2. Constancy of forces and moments.
3. Magnitude of forces and moments

Moment-to-force ratio:
The proportion of rotational tendency (moment) to the force applied at the
bracket will determine the type of tooth movement. This is represented by
M/F at the bracket.
Moment-to-force ratio plays an important role in anchorage control. By
varying the moment-to-force ratio applied to the anterior and posterior
segments during space closure after bicuspid extractions, the amount of
forward displacement of the posterior segments can be controlled.

TYPE OF TOOTH MOVEMENT M/F Ratio

Translation 10/1
Controlled tipping 5/1
Uncontrolled tipping 0/1
Root movement 12/1
Force constancy:
Relatively constant force within an optimal range produces the most desirable type of
tooth movement. We will have to design the active components of an appliance such
that they have desirable spring properties as follows.
A)Low Load deflection rate of the spring appliances,
B) Frictionless force application system.
Load deflection rate:
-refers to the amount of force produced for every unit of activation of an orthodontic
wire or spring. The lower this rate, the more constant is the force as the tooth moves
and the appliance is deactivated.
Four major design parameters available to the clinician to vary the load deflection rate
are:
1. Wire cross-section.
2. Wire length.
3. Wire material.
4. Wire configuration.
1. Wire cross-section.
Load deflection rate varies directly as the fourth power of the diameter of
a round wire and as the third power of the depth of a rectangular wire.

L.D.R.  wire cross section

Therefore, reducing the cross section of the wire can significantly reduce
the load deflection characteristics of an orthodontic appliance.
On the other hand those parts of the appliance that are concerned with
preservation of anchorage require a relatively rigid wire with a large
cross-section for more advantageous stress distribution in the periodontal
structure and to prevent the movement of the anchorage unit.

2. Wire Length:
The wire length changes the load deflection rate inversely as the third power.

1
L.D.R. 
Wire length
In continuous arch multibanded appliance, the inter-bracket distance
between adjacent teeth dictates the wire length to a great extent.
Long wire with a longer inter-attachment distance delivers a more constant
force magnitude as well as a more constant force direction as the teeth
move to the new desired positions.

3. Wire material:
For designing appliances, stainless steel alloys are in common use today.
 In order to improve the characteristics of the stainless steel wire, multi-
stranded wires with greater flexibility (reduced load-deflection rate) have
been introduced.
Alloys such as NiTi and Beta titanium with low modulus of elasticity and
high spring back have radically changed appliance design.

4. Wire configuration:
By placing more wire at the regions where bending deflections are the
greatest and at the regions where the bending moment is large, the load
deflection rate can be optimally reduced

Force and moment magnitude:

A small error in activation of spring with a high load deflection rate will
result in a larger error in the activation force. In addition to the
consideration of tissue damage, force and moment magnitude are
important in anchorage control.
Distributing the force over more teeth can reduce the stress levels on the
anchor units

Biomechanical considerations serve not only to explain the effect of an orthodontic

appliance but also to detect side effects of therapy and to assist in planning strategies
for the avoidance or therapeutic exploitation of these side effects.
Efficient orthodontic treatment requires that sound treatment plans be carried with
sound mechanical plans.

CLASSIFICATION OF RETRACTION MECHANICS

A] Based on wire configuration

 Continuous arch mechanics
 Segmented arch mechanics
B] Based on friction
 Friction mechanics {Sliding Mechanics}
e.g Canine retraction with coil springs
Continuous anterior retraction i.e. as in MBT
Retraction with J- Hook headgear
 Frictionless mechanics
Use of loops or specialized springs
T-loop, Omega loop ,PG retraction spring etc

C] Based on type of tooth movement

 Tipping followed by uprighting – Begg and Tip-Edge systems
 Translation – Standard Edgewise and Pre-Adjusted Edgewise
D] Based on mode of retraction
 Cuspid retraction
  En masse retraction
E] Based on Anchorage
 Type A – Maximum Anchorage
 Type B – Moderate Anchorage
 Type C – Minimum Anchorage

 Once a decision to extract the teeth has been made, the orthodontist has to plan
how to close the space not devoted to relief of crowding.
 There are two schools of thought of Retraction Mechanics
1.Seperate canine and incisor retraction
2.En masse retraction
1. Canines and incisors retracted separately to conserve anchorage when using
sliding mechanics
- The principle is that by retracting fewer teeth at a time, less strain is placed on
the posterior anchorage
- However it is time consuming and moreover the anchorage is taxed twice.
2. The second concept is En masse Retraction
- Where the canines and incisors are retracted together
- Here the anchorage is based on type of tooth movement of anterior and
posterior segment i.e. translation or root torquing in the posterior teeth Vs.
controlled tipping in the anterior segment.

Retraction mechanics can be divided into two categories

1. Sliding mechanics ( Friction mechanics )
2. Frictionless mechanics

Sliding Separate Canine

Mechanics Retraction

Frictionless En masse Space

Mechanics closure
 BIOMECHANICS OF SLIDING MECHANICS

 It involves either moving the brackets along the archwire or sliding the
archwire through brackets and tubes
 Friction plays an important role in sliding space closure, hence the term
‘Friction mechanics’.

 In sliding mechanics an e-link is attached between the teeth and a continuous

archwire is placed.
 E-link is the force component of the retraction assembly and moment is
produced by the Archwire-bracket assembly

 One

moment rotates the tooth mesial out and other causes the distal tipping of the
crown.
 The mesial out moment is an undesirable side effect causing rotation of the
tooth.

 However
the distal
tipping

contributes to the retraction by causing binding of the arch wire, which in turn
produces moment that results in distal root movement.
WALKING MOVEMENT OF THE CANINE

BINDING
 As the tooth uprights, the moment decreases until the wire no longer binds.
 The crown then slides along the archwire again distal crown tipping again
causes binding.
 This process is repeated until the tooth is retracted or the elastic force is
dissipated.

FACTORS AFFECTING MAGNITUDE OF MOMENT

 The magnitude of moment, which causes distal root movement, depends upon
the size, shape and material of the archwire and width of the bracket (M = F
D)
 Hence wires with greater load deflection rates (i.e. SS in comparison with
NiTi an TMA ) produce greater force when they are deflected and hence
produce greater moments (i.e. Stiffer wires produce greater moments)
 Also, the wider the bracket, the greater the moment, that the distance at which
the wire binds with the bracket increases.
 Rectangular wires produce more friction than round wires.
 Round wires can get distorted easily and do not offer control in three planes of
space
 Therefore, a .016/.022 wire in an .018 slot and .019/.025 wire in in an .022 slot
are ideal for sliding mechanics.
 Co-Cr, TMA & NiTi wires produce more friction than SS wires due to surface
topography of the wires.
 Ceramic brackets offer more resistance than SS brackets.

MOMENT TO FORCE RATIO DURING RETRACTION

 The moment to force ratio of the retraction assembly is at its lowest during the
first few days after placement of E- chain because the magnitude of force is at
highest level.
 As the teeth are retracted the moment to force ratio improves because the
elastic force dissipates and the archwire bracket interaction due to crown
tipping produces a moment.
  To optimize the use of sliding mechanics, sufficient time must be allowed for
the distal rot movement to occur.
 A common mistake is to change the elastic chain too often, thus maintaining
the high force levels and moment to force ratio that produces distal tipping
only.

ADVANTAGES OF FRICTION MECHANICS

1. Complicated wire configuration is not required

2. Initial wire placement is less time consuming.
3. Enhances patient comfort.

DISADVANTAGES OF FRICTION MECHANICS

 Confusion concerning higher force levels.

 Tendency to over activate elastic and spring forces, which causes initial
tipping but gives inadequate rebound time for the tooth to upright.

STEPS BEFORE RETRACTION

1.Selection of the best bracket system
2.Proper bracket placement
3.Proper alignment of the teeth
4.Anchorage control
5.Retraction control
CANINE RETRACTION
 Often in extraction cases space for the alignment is obtained by distalization of
the canines.

 Also, in maximum anchorage situations it would be ideal to retract the canines

separately, consolidate the anterior segment and then retract the incisors.

 Major cuspid retraction consists of controlled tipping or translation of the

canine when more than 3mm of arch length per side is required.
 Minor cuspid retraction consists of uncontrolled tipping of the canine when 1-
2 mm of arch length per side is required.
 It can
be
carried
out
with the
help of

lacebacks.

Minor cuspid retraction with lacebacks

  As the
canine
is

retracted the anterior crowing unravels.

 The lateral incisors tend to move distally due to the pull of transeptal fibres.

For the major cuspid retraction the E-link must be attached to the Power-arm of the
cuspid bracket.
 If the cuspid bracket does not have power arm a ‘Kobayashi hook’ may be
used.
 The idea is to pass the force as close to the centre of resistance as possible.

 One moment rotates the tooth mesial out and other causes the distal tipping of
the crown.
 The mesial out moment is an undesirable side effect causing rotation of the
tooth.
 However the distal tipping contributes to the retraction by causing binding of
the arch wire, which in turn produces moment that results in distal root
movement.
 As the tooth uprights, the moment decreases until the wire no longer binds.
 The crown then slides along the archwire again distal crown tipping again
causes binding.
 This process is repeated until the tooth is retracted or the elastic force is
dissipated.

WALKING OF THE CANINE

 Due to the force of the E- link the canine tooth initially tips distally, followed
by period of rebound due to the leveling effect of archwire bracket interaction,
which causes distal uprighting of the root
 This initial tipping followed by subsequent uprighting of the canine, in a
repeated succession, resulting in its distal movement is referred to as “Walking
of the Canine”.

 This is possible because of the limited amount of play between the bracket and
the archwire
 CANINE RETRACTION WITH ‘J’ HOOK HEADGEAR

 It involves extraoral anchorage so effective in maximum anchorage cases

 Involves use of headgear with a J hook applying the force on the canine such
that they slide along the arhwire.

EN MASSE SPACE CLOSURE WITH SLIDING MECHANICS

 In 1990s, a method of controlled space closure was described using sliding

mechanics.
 The MBT technique recommends following

ARCHWIRES
 Rectangular .019/.025 steel wires (working wires) are recommended with the .
022” slot.
 This wire size has good overbite control while allowing free sliding through
the buccal segment
 Thicker
wires

sometimes restricts free sliding of molars and premolars.

 Thinner wires have less control.
 Thinner wires along with the heavy forces of E-chain can give rise to Roller-
Costar kind of effect
Clinical example of
Roller Costar Effect

SOLDERED HOOKS
 0.7 brass hooks are preferred.
 Soft SS 0.6 soldered hooks can be a useful alternative.
 The most common hook positions are 36-38mm in Upper and 26mm in the
Lower.

SOLDERED BRASS HOOK

ACTIVE TIEBACKS USING LASTOMERIC MODULES

 In day to day clinical practice these are simple, economical and reliable.
 

Placement is not difficult and can be done routinely.

 Active tiebacks using elastomeric modules are preferred for space closure,
even though NiTi springs have been shown to be more reliable and effective.

ACTIVE TIEBACKS

NiTi CLOSED COIL SPRINGS

ACTIVE TIEBACKS
 ADVANTAGES
 Convenient means of force application
 DISADVANTAGES
1. Variation of efficiency of force delivery
2. High initial force levels
3. Degradation of force levels over a period of time
4. Tendency to absorb moisture and accumulate food debris and bacteria

NiTi COIL SPRINGS

 ADVANTAGES
1. Efficient and relatively quick to close extraction space owing to their
continuous force
2. No frequent activation required
 DISADVANTAGES
Expensive
 MBT recommends use of elastomeric modules for space closure in most cases.
 If spaces are closed too rapidly, incisor torque can be lost which then requires
several months to regain at the end of space closure.

FORCE LEVELS
 Active tiebacks are stretched their original size during activation.
 Without pre-stretching the force levels range in between 200-300 gms.
 If large spaces are to be closed NiTi coil spring are used instead of Elastomeric
module.
 The force decay in the NiTi coil springs is very much less in NiTi springs as
compared to elastomeric modules.

INHIBITORS OF SLIDING MECHANICS

 Inadequate leveling results in archwire binding
 When torque is being manifested in the posterior segment sliding cannot occur
simultaneously
 The ligature wire around the molar tube can block the distal end of the wire
 Any damage or compressed bracket binds with the archwire and prevents
sliding.
 Soft tissue resistance due to its overgrowth in extraction spaces.

WIRE SELECTION IN SLIDING MECHANICS

 Sliding mechanics requires wire that produces less friction with the brackets
 The friction between archwire and bracket slows down the movement of teeth
along the archwire.
 A large number of variables can directly or indirectly contribute to frictional
force levels between bracket and the archwire.

PHYSICAL FACTORS
1. ARCH WIRE
 Material
 Cross sectional shape and size
 Surface texture
 Stiffness

2. LIGATION OF ARCHWIRE TO BRACKET

  Ligature wires
 Elastomerics
 Method of ligation

3. BRACKET
 Material
 Manufacturing process (cast or sintered SS)
 Slot width & depth
 Design of the bracket – Single / Double width
 1st order ( in-out), 2nd order (angulations), 3rd order (inclinations)
specifications.

4. ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE
 Inter-bracket distance
 Force levels
 Level of bracket slot between adjacent teeth

BIOLOGICAL FACTORS

 Saliva
 Plaque
 Corrosion

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF FRICTION

 With best of archwire-bracket combination, at least 50Gms of friction must be

included in the force applied to tooth to initiate movement.
 High levels of friction may result in binding of the bracket with little or no
movement.
 Further more binding during retraction may result in the “Tent pegging” effect,
with the applied force being optimal for the movement of the posterior teeth,
thus resulting in the loss of the anchorage.
 The ideal situation is the one in which there is no friction between the wire
and the bracket.
 Since this situation does not exist with the friction mechanics, the orthodontist
must be aware of the magnitude of friction in the appliance system
 Friction can be compensated for in the applied force and it is “hoped” that the
optimal force value can be achieved!!!

FRICTIONLESS MECHANICS
 Introduction to frictionless mechanics
 Anchorage classification
  Biomechanics of looped archwire retraction
1. Design of loop
2. Biomechanical considerations
3. Clinical considerations
 Advantages & disadvantages of loop mechanics
 Various types of loop designs

WHAT IS FRICTIONLESS MECHANICS

 In frictionless mechanics, teeth are moved without the brackets sliding over
the archwire.
 Retraction is accomplished with the help of loops or springs.
Loops

 Frictionless space closure involves bending loops of various configurations-

-Sectionally (To deliver the desired force to an individual tooth

OR -In a continuous archwire (To deliver the desired force levels to several
teeth)

 When activated, the loop distorts from the original configuration

 As the tooth moves the loop gradually returns to its original preactivated
position – delivering energy stored at the time of activation.

 Theoretically, with closing loops for space closure, more accurately defined
force systems can be applied to groups of teeth.

 Precise anchorage control, anteroposterior and vertical control can be

obtained.
 ANCHORAGE CLASSIFICATION

 Group A Anchorage: - 75% or more of extraction space is required for anterior

retraction

 Group
B

Anchorage: -relatively symmetric space closure

 Group
C

Anchorage: - “Noncritical anchorage”- 75% or more extraction space is closed

by mesial movement of molars.
SPACE CLOSURE WITH FRICTIONLESS MECHANICS
 According to Charles Burstone, the moment to force ratio needed for
translation is 10:1
 A regular 10mm high vertical loop offers a moment to force ratio of only 3:1
when it is activated by 1mm
 In order to get the moment to force ratio of 10:1, the activation of the spring
should be reduced to as low as 0.2mm
 But then the force levels will not be sufficient to bring about retraction
 In order to increase the moment to force ratio the height of the vertical loops
can be increased. But only a limited space is available in the vestibule
 The loop design can be varied, e.g. a T-loop has a higher moment to force ratio
than a regular vertical loop.
 However the most effective way to increase the moment to force ratio is by
placing pre-activation or Gable bends.
 Closing loop archwires (Attraction springs) has three important characteristics
1. The α moment {anterior}
2. The β moment {posterior}
3. The horizontal force generated

 When a retraction spring is used two moments are produced

 α moment, produced by placing bend on mesial leg of
retraction loop and
 β moment produced by placing bend on distal leg of retraction
loop.
 If the two moments are unequal, vertical forces are produced
  If beta moment is greater, anchorage is enhanced by mesial root movement,
and there is a net intrusive force on anteriors.
 If the two moments are equal no vertical forces are generated
 If alpha moment is greater, anchorage for anterior teeth is increased and there
is a net extrusive force on the anterior teeth.

BIOMECHANICAL CONSIDERATIONS
 By altering the and bends the moment to force ratio is altered for the desired
tooth movements in anterior and posterior segments, i.e. controlled tipping and
translation in the anterior segment & translation and root movement in the
posterior segment.

DESIGN OF THE LOOP

It usually has three

parts
1.
Arm
2.
Base
3.
Helix

GROUP ‘B’ ANCHORAGE

En masse anterior retraction-posterior protraction
 When space is to be
closed symmetrically
a centered .
017/.025 TMA T-loop is
used.
GROUP ‘A’ ANCHORAGE
En masse anterior retraction
 To accomplish anterior retraction while preserving anchorage, the anterior
segment undergoes controlled tipping while the posterior anchorage unit
undergoes translation or root movement.
 A composite retraction spring is used.
 It consists of an .018” round TMA T- loop welded to a .017”/.025” TMA base
arch.

GROUP ‘C’

ANCHORAGE
En masse posterior
protraction
 Use of asymmetric .
017”/.025” TMA
T- loop spring with α
moment more than β
moment.
ADVANTAGES OF FRICTIONLESS SPACE CLOSURE
1. Differential tooth movement is possible
2. Precise control over anterior and posterior anchorage
3. It is fail-safe; the tooth will move only to the limit to which the loop is
activated
4. Retraction loops or springs offer more controlled tooth movement than friction
mechanics.

DISADVANTAGES OF FRICTIONLESS SPACE CLOSURE

1. A good understanding of mechanics is required when using retraction loops,
because minor errors in mechanics can result in major errors in tooth
movement.
2. More wire bending time and chair side time is required than sliding
mechanics.
3. Retraction loops may be uncomfortable for the patients, that they lie in the
vestibule.
4. Like sliding mechanics, the frictionless space closure might produce an
undesirable mesial out moment when retracting a single tooth.

VARIOUS LOOP DESIGNS THAT HAVE BEEN TRIED FOR FRICTIONLESS

SPACE CLOSURE
 Ray D. Robinson (1915) was the first to document the use of loops in
orthodontics
 Dr. Harry Bull advocated a squashed vertical loop with an .
0125”/.025”edgewise wire opened the distance of a ‘thin dime’.
 Since that time various loop designs have been advocated –
1. Rickett’s canine retractor
2. PG (Paul Gjessing) retraction spring
 3. Delta loop
4. Closed vertical loop
5. Bull loop (by Salzmann)
6. Open vertical loop
7. The R (Rectangular) loop
8. Vertical loop with helix
9. Omega loop
10. T-Loop
11. Opus loop

METHODS OF FRICTIONLESS RETRACTION OTHER THAN

CONTINUOUS LOOP MECHANICS
1. Separate canine retraction with frictionless mechanics.
2. Rapid canine retraction using distraction of periodontal ligament
3. Drum spring retractor for canine retraction
4. Separate canine retraction with cuspid to cuspid bypass.
5. Retraction with utility arches
6. The three piece intrusion and retraction arch.

VARIABLES IN SELECTION OF LOOP MECHANICS

 Wire size
 Design of the loop
 Length of the loop legs
 Inter-bracket distance
 Length of the arms
 Range
 Helix

ADVANTAGES OF A LOOP:

1. The inconsistency of the force system developed by a SWA can be avoided by

using loops.
2. The addition of wire length into the appliance while maintaining the wire size
reduces the load-deflection rate.
3. Greater constancy of force.
4. Since the distribution of the wire with respect to the bracket determines the
moment-to-force ratio, and tooth movement is produced by the deactivation of
the loop itself, friction is not an issue.
5. It is possible to design a loop in such ways that forces and moments are
dissociated to generate many combinations of moment and force.
 A B C

A B C

6. The desired combination of moments and forces can be reached by choosing

different points of force application, controlling the horizontal dimension of the loop
or by angulating the horizontal arm of the loop.
7. Combining wires of different dimension can produce composite loops. For
correcting major rotations or tipping, the combination loops are advantageous as their
working range is large.

VARIOUS LOOP DESIGNS THAT HAVE BEEN TRIED FOR FRICTIONLESS

SPACE CLOSURE
 Ray D. Robinson (1915) was the first to document the use of loops in
orthodontics
 Dr. Harry Bull advocated a squashed vertical loop with an .
0125”/.025”edgewise wire opened the distance of a ‘thin dime’.
 Since that time various loop designs have been advocated –
 RICKETT’S CANINE RETRACTOR
 This is a combination of a double closed helix and an Extended crossed T
made with blue Elgiloy wire.
 It delivered 30-50gms per mm of activation.

 ACTIVATION
 Activated by pulling 3-4mm each adjustment by pulling the wire through the
tube and locking it with a simple bend.
 For the lower bow the activation should be less to avoid high pressure.
 There should be 90 degree of Gable bend in the canine region

 Advantages of Rickett’s Retractor

1. Rapid space closure
2. Only a few weeks of wearing
 Disadvantages of Rickett’s Retractor
1. Bulky and irritating to soft tissues
2. Difficult to use in the lower arch because it extends into chewing
area
PG { PAULGJESSING } RETRACTION SPRING
 1. The canine retraction spring was constructed in 0.016”/0.022” SS wire
2. The principle element is a double helix 10mm in height
3. It was introduced to reduce the load deflection rate of the spring
4. The mesial and distal extensions of the looped archwire are angulated in
both horizontal and vertical plane
5. The posterior curvature is adjusted to deliver the force magnitude of
15-25gms per side.

 Advantages
1. Reduced load deflection rate
2. Reduced vertical height
3. The rounded form avoids load concentration

BEFORE RETRACTION

AFTER RETRACTION

DELTA LOOP
  The design similar to that of opening loop
 William R. Proffit (1993)
 0.016”/0.022” SS wire used in .018” slot and 0.018”/0.025” SS wire in .022”
slot

VERTICAL LOOP

Vertical loop with HELIX

The advantage of Helix in a vertical loop is that it increases the working range
 Closed Helix Open Helix

OPEN VEARTICAL LOOP

 Morris & Bruce
 It is used to open the spaces
 It is activated by closing the legs

OMEGA LOOP
 It distributes the stresses more evenly through the curvatures instead of
concentrating on the apex.

THE

ASYMMETRIC T LOOP
 James J. Hilgers (1992)
 This loop allows simultaneous bite opening and space closure.
 The anterior portion is smaller and engages the lateral incisor bracket.
Closed Helix Open Helix
 THE OPUS LOOP/STANDARD OPUS
 Dr. Raymond E. Siatkoski
 This specialized spring can deliver sufficiently high “inherent M/F ratio”
within the range of 8-9 to produce en masse translation without giving the pre-
activation bends.

 Groups of teeth can be moved more accurately to achieve predetermined

anteroposterior treatment goals for esthetics and stability

 The distinct advantage of Opus loop is that it is free of residual moments and
produces the periods of “true rest” when deactivated.

THE RECTANGULAR LOOP

CHARACTERISTICS:

1. Can be used for first, second and third order corrections

2. Since the loop is inserted in at least two brackets, it represents a statically
indeterminate force system.
3. The clinician can determine the moment-to-force ratio delivered to the active
unit.
4. All combination of moments and forces can be produced. The direction of
moment generated at the loop depends on the point of force application in
relation to the horizontal dimension of the box.
5. The point at which the moment changes sense is called ‘point of dissociation’.
At this point, no relationship exists between moment and force. The
localization of this point depends on the length as well as the dimension of the
wire.
Fabrication of R loop for the 2nd premolar correction:
Step 1: Measure the distance between mesial of molar tube and the distal of 2nd
premolar bracket (D)
Step 2: The ‘R’ loop is fabricated using the formula A = B = C each being equal to
half of D.
Note: Distance D for any tooth is measured from the distal of the bracket (of the tooth
to be corrected) to the mesial of the bracket (of the tooth distal to it).

A
B C

A=B=C

VARIOUS ACTIAVATIONS:

‘R’ loop can be effectively used for the correction of :

Rotation
First order discrepancies
Second order discrepancies

‘T’ LOOP

Characteristics:
1. Made of 0.017”x 0.025” TMA wire
 2. No side determination be made, however, the alpha leg (anterior leg) of the T
loop is longer than beta leg (posterior leg) by 1mm to compensate for the
difference of height between the bracket of the canine and the auxillary tube of
the molar.
3. The central position of the loop can be calculated by the formula
D = L-A
2
Where, D = distance from either the molar auxillary tube or the
canine to the center of the loop
L= distance from the molar auxillary tube to the
canine vertical tube (or center of the bracket)
A= activation of the spring

10 mm
2 mm
4 mm 5 mm

BETA ALPHA
(POSTERIOR) SEGMENT (ANTERIOR) SEGMENT

 

PREACTIVATION CHECK LIST:

1. Check the neutral position of the loop (0 mm).
2. Determine the amount of activation.
3. From the center of the T, mark distance D on both arms of the spring. Place a
vertical bend gingivally 5mm anterior to the mark on the anterior leg.
4. Check for comfort and passivity and necessary adjustments are made to achieve
the same.
5. Placement of Alpha and Beta preactivation bends: Preactivation bends are
placed at six points in the spring

METHODS OF FRICTIONLESS RETRACTION OTHER THAN

CONTINUOUS LOOP MECHANICS
 DRUM SPRING RETRACTOR FOR CANINE RETRACTION
 Constant force without the need for reactivation through an intraoral appliance

 Force spring with a hook fabricated to deliver force of 50gms

 Other parts are a drum, a spring box and a central pin soldered o molar band
 Assembled and soldered to molar band and activated by pulling the end of the
spring
 The force level is always at 50gms and there is no need for reactivation.

SEPARATE CANINE TO CANINE RETRACTION WITH CUSPID TO CUSPID

BYPASS
 Cuspid to cuspid bypass is used to prevent
1. Prevent rotation
2. Actively derotate teeth when there is space
3. alter arch-width

4. eliminate side effect of vertical forces

  The indications for cuspid to cuspid bypass are
1. Cases requiring bilateral symmetrical canine retraction where distal-in rotation
must be prevented
2. Cases with canines with different vertical levels
3. Cases with bilateral or unilateral canine rotation
4. A rigid wire at least 0.017”/0.025” is stepped down 3 to 4mm mesial to
canines and around the incisors
5. This allows for the simultaneous bracketing of the incisors

 The arch form is made longer and wider than the initial 3-3 distance in order
to counteract any constrictive forces caused by the force of retraction.
 The T-loop is then engaged in Burstone Cuspid bracket and the retraction is
started

RETRACTION WITH UTILITY ARCHES

 In 1950s Robert Rickett’s developed the lower step down arch, also popularly
known as Rickett’s Utility arch, to hold the buccal segment upright during

retraction and also for lower incisor intrusion with light continuous forces.

 It is known as 2/4 appliance because it engages only molars and incisors

 It has multiple uses in various stages of orthodontic treatment.
 Types of utility arches
1. Passive utility arch
2. Intrusion utility arch
3. Protrusion utility arch
4. Retrusion
utility arch
The retrusion
utility arch is used in
either the mixed or
permanent dentition to achieve retraction and intrusion of incisors by incorporating
loops in the archwire.

THREE PIECE INTRUSION ARCH

 It was given by Burstone for simultaneous Intrusion
and retraction.
 The force of application for intrusion is lingual to
centre of resistance so there is no flaring of anteriors
as seen in continuous arch intrusion

Parts:
1. The posterior anchorage unit
2. The anterior segment with a posterior extension
3. The intrusion cantilevers
4. An elastic chain.

• The anterior segment is bent gingivally distal to the laterals, then bent
horizontally, creating a step of approximately 3 mm.
• The distal part extends posteriorly to the distal end of the canine bracket,
where it forms a hook.
• This anterior segment should be made of 0.019” x 0.022” / 0.017” x 0.025” SS
wire.
• The intrusion cantilevers are fabricated from 0.017” x 0.025” TMA wire.
• The wire is first bent gingivally mesial to the molar tube (and then helix is
formed if SS wire is used).
• On the mesial end of the cantilever, a hook is bent through which the intrusive
force can be applied to the anterior segment.
• The cantilever is then activated by making a bend mesial to the helix at the
molar tube, and then cinched back.
An elastic chain can be attached to the hook of the anterior segment to the molar tube
to redirect the forces in a posterior direction.

CONCLUSION
 “…forces and moments in the treatment of malocclusion are like drugs in the
treatment of disease…”

 The above mentioned neat description, unfortunately, is only a simplistic

presentation of extremely complex mechanism
 It is impossible to calculate the required force magnitude for every patient
because there are many variables
1. Different tooth sizes and inclinations
2. Different arch sizes which affect the length of wire spans
3. Change in the arch size as the tooth movement takes place
4. Individual biomechanical responses
5. Limitations of the material properties.

 Although bracket design and proprietary treatment protocols are broadly used
in clinical circumstances, achieving predictable and stable orthodontic results
requires more than simply selecting a particular bracket system
 The fundamental basis of orthodontic treatment remains the application of
mechanical forces to produce desirable tooth movement.
 Today’s orthodontist needs the knowledge of both friction and frictionless
mechanics
 No single technique suits every situation. There are specific indications for
both.
 The foremost thing in orthodontics is Discipline
Discipline in diagnosis
Discipline in treatment planning
Discipline in use of appliance system
Discipline in mechanics
Discipline in management of patient’s orthodontic needs