A photoelastic study on the initial stress distribution of the upper anterior teeth retraction using combination loop archwire and sliding mechanics

Yim, Kang Soon; Lee, Jin Woo; Cha, Kyung Suk

Abstract

An unfavorable tipping movement can occur during the retraction of anterior teeth because orthodontic force is loaded by brackets positioned far from the center of resistance. To avoid this unfavorable movement, a compensating curved wire or lingual root torque wire is used. The purpose of this study is to investigate, using photoelastic material, the distribution of initial stress associated with the retraction of the incisors according to the degree of the compensating curve, to model changes associated with tooth and alveolar bone structure. The following results were obtained by analysis of the polarizing plate of the effects of initial stress resulting from retraction of the anterior teeth: 1. When the incisors were retracted using combination archwire or sliding mechanics, the maximal polarizing pattern of the apical area decreased as the degree of the compensating curve increased from 0 to 15 to 30. 2. When the incisiors were retracted by the combination archwire or sliding mechanics, the maximal polarizing pattern of t he canine and premolar area increased as the degree of the compensating curve increased from 0to 15to 30. 3. A lower degree of polarizing patterns were associated with the combination archwire technique than the sliding mechanics technique at a given force. The above results indicate that there is no significant difference between the combination loop archwire technique and sliding mechanics, for the retraction of maxillary anterior teeth with decreased lingual tipping tendency by a compensating curve on the arch wire. However, the use of sliding mechanics is more effective for the prevention of lingual inclination of the anterior teeth, because the hook used in sliding mechanics is closer to the center of resistance of the maxillary anterior teeth.