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ORIGINAL ARTICLES
The clinical application of frictionless attraction springs using the segmented arch technique is described.
Differential space closure is achieved by varying the force system between the anterior and posterior segments.
A specially designed force transducer allowed accurate force and moment determination for each spring design.
By duplicating predetermined spring geometries, the orthodontist can reproduce the required force system within
narrow ranges. The most important considerations in the clinical use of attraction springs are the amount of distal
activation, the angulation differential between the anterior and posterior teeth, and the centricity or eccentricity of
the loop. Improvements in design have lead to a more efficient, hygienic, and comfortable mechanism for space
closure.
Key words: Segmented arch technique, extraction, spaceclosure, forces, retraction, protraction
A
Fig. 4. Specialized attachments on the first molar and canine,
Gingivally placed horizontal and vertical auxiliary tubes are
used to connect the anterior segment and posterior segment
during attraction and en masse root movement.
be analyzed.
Fig. 5. Types of segmental en masse space closure.A, Blocks
2. A large distance between the molar and the ca- represent anterior and posterior segments. 8, One-stage trans-
nine auxiliary tubes allows for a superior and more lation. C and D, Two-stage space closure. The ant&or seg-
conveniently used force system. The load-deflection ment is initially tipped around a center of rotation near the
rates are lowered, and the shapes of the springs are not apices of the incisors. Root movement follows with a center of
rotation near the incisor bracket.
so critical in producing both the desired force and the
moment-to-force ratio. Furthermore, with the large ac-
tivations that are required, they are easily placed in the arches or continual adjustment and retying of a given
mouth. arch.
3. The rigidity of the anterior and posterior seg- The principle of en masse space closure, using
ments is not dependent upon the attraction mechanism. segmental movement, is demonstrated in Fig. 5. The
Typically, it is necessary to have less rigid springs for block diagrams represent the anterior and posterior
attraction springs and greater rigidity for control of the segments. In Fig. 5, B, the space is closed by translat-
anterior and posterior units. Rigidly connecting the ing both the anterior and posterior segments as a unit.
teeth of the anterior and posterior units allows the This is the approach taken in Group B arches. In Group
clinician to maintain the desirable tooth positions which A arches, where one would like to prevent posterior
are obtained during initial alignment and many times segments from displacing anteriorly, two stages of
are present at the beginning of treatment. space closure are accomplished (Fig. 5, Cand D). In the
4. Wires of increasing rigidity may be used in the first phase the anterior segment is tipped with a center
anterior segment independent of the attraction springs of rotation near the apex of the incisors, followed by a
to align the anterior teeth simultaneously with space second phase of root movement where the center or
closure. In most patients, however, one should use a rotation is moved occlusally to the bracket or the incisal
relatively rigid wire as soon as possible to obtain full edge (en masse root movement). This form of en masse
control over the incisor axial inclinations. space closure differs from other techniques. For in-
5. Extraneous forces are minimized in the posterior stance, with Begg treatment, all six teeth are retracted;
teeth since buccal segments remain in place and are not however, each tooth has its own center of rotation re-
continually changed as with therapy requiring different quiring individual root springs on each of the teeth for
Volume 82 Segmented arch approach to space closure 365
Number 5
201 gm -B h-201 gm
M M
- = 12.6 - = 5.6
F F
Fig. 11. To activate springs, either the base arch is bent gingi-
vally at distal aspect of molar tube (lower) or a rope ligature tie
(upper) is used.
this article is based on the templates found in the seg- 6 mm. of activation, the force is 201 Gm. For each
mented arch syllabus (University of Connecticut, millimeter of space closure, the force will drop about
1982). Tables giving the force system are based on 33 Gm. The load-deflection rate is plotted in Fig. 12.
these templates. Note that the load-deflection rate is relatively constant
En masse retraction springs which are used for re- and has a tendency to be smaller at higher activations,
traction of six anterior teeth are shown in Fig. 10. The which is the range where the spring is used. Many
anterior retraction spring is initially activated 6 mm. springs, like vertical loops, tend to increase their load-
Tooth movement is allowed to proceed until approxi- deflection rate with increasing activation. Since we do
mately 3 mm. of space is closed, and then the spring is not want the force to decay rapidly within activation
reactivated (Fig. 11). In certain cases, it may be neces- range, it is advantageous to have the lowest load-de-
sary to contour springs somewhat labiolingually for flection rates at the maximum activation.
comfort and if a shallow mucobuccal is present, a By definition, the neutral position is that position of
shorter spring is used. It should be remembered that the activation where the spring delivers no horizontal
higher the spring is occlusogingivally, the greater the force. In the first line of the table, the force system for
activation moment-to-force ratio will be, with better the neutral position (0 mm. activation and 0 Gm. force)
control over axial inclinations. is given. The moment at the neutral position is referred
to as the residual moment. In the alpha position (M,), it
Detailed force system is 231 Gm.-mm., and in the beta position (M,) it is
The force system and the change in forces over a 2,358 Gm.-mm. As the assembly is activated, both the
range of 6 mm. of activation is shown in Table I. The A horizontal force and the alpha and beta moments in-
column gives the number of millimeters of activation, crease for each millimeter of activation. The rate of
and other columns to the right give the force system. At increase of the beta moment is not as great as that of the
COMPOSITE RETRACTION SPRING (.O 18”- .O 17”~ ,025”)
0’ I ) I , , , , , , I , , I I I 1 I I I I I
0 .5 1.0 15 2.0 2.5 30 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 5 IO I5 20 25 3.0 35 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 A.0
Deflection (mm) Deflection hm)
Fig. 13. The slope of (Y moment is steeper than that of p mo- Fig. 14. Differential moment-to-force ratios between the 01 and @
ment, reflecting eccentric placement of the T loop and the two positions. As spring deactivates, a tip-back effect is placed on
wire cross sections. the posterior teeth.
Table I. Composite anterior (canine) retraction spring (TMA 0.018-O. 17 by 0.025 inch)
1 F,, FL, MCI MP FlA M,,IF MfiiF
(mm .) (cm.) (cm.) (Cm.-mm.) (Cm.-mm.) (Cm.-mm.) (mm.) (mm.)
i = Distal activation.
F,, = Horizontal force.
F\ = Vertical force.
M,,Anterlor moment.
Mp = Posterior moment.
F/h = Load-deflection rate.
M,,/F = Anterior moment-to-force ratio.
MB/F = Posterior moment-to-force ratio.
alpha moment. The two slopes of the alpha and beta flection (Fig. 14). Note that the alpha moment-to-force
moments in respect to deflection can be seen in Fig. 13. ratio remains about the same from about 6 mm. to 3
The difference in the rate of increase between alpha and mm. or less of activation. Thus, with an initial 6 mm.
beta moments is very important in producing a unique activation as the teeth retract 3 mm., there is little
force system. It allows a differential in the moment-to- change in the center of rotation on the anterior teeth.
On the other hand, the beta moment-to-force ratio rap-
force ratio change (v) as the spring deactivates.
idly increases as space closes. The objective of the
This can be appreciated if M/F is plotted against de- anterior retraction mechanism is to give good control
Volume 82 Segmented arch approach to space closure 369
Number 5
over the center of rotation of the anterior segment as it Table II. Variation in force system
retracts and to minimize mesial displacement of the (standard deviations) TMA 0.018 by
posterior segment. A brief discussion of how this is 0.025 inch retraction spring
accomplished follows. Nonstandard springs
The alpha moment-to-force ratio during the range A ML2 MP
of activation from 6 mm. to 3 mm. remains relatively (mm.) (Gm.-mm.) (L-i-., (Gm.-mm.)
constant (Table I). At 6 mm., the moment-to-force
1.0 63.4 4.8 161.5
ratio is 5.6; at 3 mm., it increases to 7.1. This small 1.5 61.3 4.1 160.2
increase tends to move the center of rotation slightly in 2.0 63.6 3.3 158.0
an apical direction but, for all practical purposes, the 2.5 64.6 3.6 157.1
center of rotation is relatively constant. This should be 3.0 65.1 4.0 156.1
3.5 71.1 3.2 155.7
compared to a retraction mechanism such as a vertical
4.0 70.8 3.4 156.0
loop where the moment-to-force ratio within I mm. of 4.5 71.6 4.5 157.5
deactivation can change radically. This concept will be 5.0 74.7 4. I 157.6
considered in further detail in the section on en masse 5.5 76.5 6.1 159.0
translation. Large angulations are placed in the 0.018 6.0 83.1 5.7 160.2
Fig. 17. Change in moment-to-force ratio of a 6 mm. high verti- tion. After 0.5 mm. of tooth movement, the root is still
cal loop. A rapid change occurs in the M/F ratio over 0.1 mm. of being displaced labially, but not so much as the
deactivation. The center of rotation of a typical incisor moves moment-to-force ratio approaches 5.0. Only after the
from the apex (M/F = 7.0) to translation (M/F = lO.O), and then teeth have moved 0.8 mm. does the moment-to-force
to the bracket (M/F = 12.0).
ratio approach 6 and 7, where one would expect con-
trolled tipping around the apices of the incisors. Thus,
tions of teeth; hence, this number is given only a repre- even with the gable bend for the first 0.8 mm., one has
sentative value) 4,000 Gm.-mm. and 400 Gm. should little more than uncontrolled tipping, with a center of
be delivered to the anterior and posterior segments. A rotation somewhere between the apex and the center of
method for producing this force system would be to resistance. In the last 0.2 mm., the center of rotation
place a gingival extension 10 mm. below the level of rapidly changes, so that the teeth first tip around the
the brackets and to attach a rubber elastic at this point. apex, translate, and then finally correct their axial in-
Unfortunately, it is not practical to have a gingival clinations, rotating around a point of the crown. If the
extension placed so far apically. It should be noted that, vertical loop is left in long enough, the axial inclina-
with the elastic, the moment-to-force ratio would be tions of the teeth will give the appearance of genuine
constant at 10: 1 throughout the period of space clo- translation. In reality, what has happened is that the
sure, although the force magnitude is reduced. teeth at first tipped with roots being displaced forward,
If a vertical loop is used for space closure, it is followed at a later stage by root movement lingually.
difficult to obtain the 10: 1 moment-to-force ratio from The rapid change in moment-to-force ratio with the
the activation moment (the moment automatically pro- vertical loop is problematic. Biologically, it is not de-
duced by activation). A vertical loop could be extended sirable to keep changing areas of stress in the periodon-
gingivally to 10 mm., and the moment-to-force ratio tal ligament. It is also very difficult to produce the
would be only 4: 1. Even with the addition of wire moment-to-force ratios that are needed. An error of 1 or
gingivally, as in a T loop, it is not possible with one 2 mm. in activation completely changes the center of
cross section of wire to deliver a 10: 1 moment-to-force rotation. As has been pointed out previously, in order
ratio by the activation moment alone. to use a vertical loop or any loop, one must know the
Since a vertical loop does not deliver high enough neutral position (the position where the force is zero).
moment-to-force ratios for a translation, it has been when a gable bend is placed in the loop, the amount of
common practice to place a gable bend or angulation so activation is automatically increased, since the vertical
that a residual moment is produced. Fig. 17 shows the arms cross and the neutral position is changed. If the
change in moment-to-force ratio for 1 mm. activation orthodontist does not recognize this, he might be acti-
of a 6 mm. high vertical loop (a 20 degree angulation vating 2 mm. instead of what he believed to be 1 mm.
with an 8.4 mm. interbracket distance). At 1 mm. of This could lead to either permanent deformation of the
activation, the moment-to-force ratio is under 3. At this loop and/or moment-to-force ratios that are too low,
point in time, the tooth is tipping, with the crown mov- leading to uncontrolled tipping movements. Overall,
ing in one direction and the root in the opposite direc- the vertical loop with gable bends is very unforgiving
Fig. 19. Typical angulation required for the 0.017 by 0.025 inch Fig. 20. Shape of 0.017 by 0.025 inch TMA attractjon sprmg
attraction spring. A 0.018 or 0.020 inch TMA wire is welded used for protraction of posterior teeth. Loop is placed off center
anteriorly for insertion into the canine vertical tube. to the distal aspect. Angulation bends are increased as the LY
position is approached. Anterior part of spring is to the left.
a = Distal activation.
F,, = Horizontal force.
F\. = Vertical force.
M,, = Anterior moment.
MB = Posterior moment.
F/rl = Load-deflection rate.
h&,/F = Anterior moment-to-force ratio.
MS/F = Posterior moment-to-force ratio.
of shape inaccuracies and inaccuracies in the amount of for translation, and a large residual moment must be
distal activation. The TMA attraction spring has been placed in the spring. Overall, the effect is similar to that
designed to eliminate many of the problems inherent in of a vertical loop where the moment-to-force ratios in-
the use of a vertical loop (Fig. 18). The key to its crease during deactivation, but this change is more
design is the attempt to make the moment-to-force ratio gradual and hence biologically sounder and more con-
more constant. This is accomplished by lowering the trollable.
load-deflection rate of the spring and by the use of the T The spring is placed centrally between the two aux-
loop design, which increases the activation moment by iliary tubes for two reasons. The most important is that
placing wire more apically. Unfortunately, this is not it allows the same rate of change of the moment-to-
sufficient to give a high enough moment-to-force ratio force ratio in both the alpha and the beta positions.
Volume 82 Segmented arch approach to space closure 373
Number 5
Furthermore, it is simpler to place a symmetrical angu- Table IV. Variations in force system
lation in the spring. A typical angulation is shown in (standard deviations) TMA 0.017 by
Fig. 19, and the force system of this spring is given in 0.025 inch attraction spring (standard
Table III. spring)
At the neutral position, there are relatively equal A MO
moments in the alpha and beta positions, with the alpha (mm.) ,G?Il%U?l., (Gm.-mm.)
moment 1,362 Gm.-mm. and the beta moment 1,410
1.0 43.6 2.2 61.3
Gm.-mm. It should be noted that this spring requires a
1.5 40.1 2.2 59.8
rather large residual moment. Let us now follow what 2.0 41.8 2.2 56.4
happens to the spring beginning with the force system 2.5 39.8 3.3 50.7
at 7 mm. of activation. At 7 mm., the alpha and beta 3.0 34.1 2.6 46.7
moments are approximately equal-2,349 Gm.-mm. 3.5 35.0 2.6 43.5
4.0 33.7 3.5 38.1
and 2,368 Gm.-mm. The moment-to-force ratio is 7.0
4.5 29.4 4.2 33.9
in both the alpha and the beta positions, and hence the 5.0 25.3 4.0 29.8
teeth would be expected to undergo controlled tipping 5.5 26.9 4.1 24.5
near their apices. The centers of rotation that are de- 6.0 24.5 5.1 18.3
scribed in this section are only representative; neverthe- 6.5 23.2 5.3 14.7
7.0 20.4 6.2 11.5
less, the trend in change of these centers applies to any
clinical situation. The actual moment-to-force ratios A = Distal activation.
required for different centers of rotation will vary, de- M, = Anterior moment.
FH = Horizontal force.
pending on the teeth and their support. As the teeth
Mg = Posterior moment.
move 1 mm., the moment-to-force ratio is 8.0. The
center of rotation has moved slightly past the root apex
in an apical direction. After the teeth have moved 2
in Table IV are based on averages from five springs
mm. (M/F = 9.2), translation begins; after 3.5 mm. of
which were shaped as accurately as possible. The stan-
movement (M/F = 12), root movement is initiated;
dard deviations are considerably under 1 percent for all
and at 4 mm., it is continuing. The moment-to-force
forces and moments. During space closure, the loop of
ratio is increased over 3 mm. of tooth movement but,
the spring should be maintained centrally between the
unlike the simple vertical loop, this change is gradual.
two auxiliary tubes. A welded vertical pin (0.018 or
The(v) for 1 mm. of deactivation at 7 mm. of 0.020 inch TMA) is welded anteriorly for insertion into
the vertical tube of the canine. The posterior part of the
activation is only 1. With a vertical loop,
assembly is bent distal to the first molar or a tie-back
large with tipping, translation, and root movement oc- loop is welded to the spring (Fig. 11).
curring over 0.2 mm. The greater constancy of the
moment-to-force ratio of the TMA attraction spring POSTERIOR PROTRACTION FOR
GROUP C ARCHES
simplifies the determination of the force system and
gives a better biologic response. Nevertheless, one still The challenge of space closure lies at two extreme
must carefully observe the progress of space closure situations-Group A arches where posterior anchorage
and, on the basis of this monitoring, determine the must be preserved and the Group C arches where
appropriate time for reactivation. During the first stages posterior teeth must be brought forward through most
of space closure, some tipping of the posterior and of the extraction site. It is an error to close the extrac-
anterior segments should be noticed. The spring should tion site blindly and then rely on intermaxillary elastics
nor be reactivated and should be left in place until the or headgear to correct an intermaxillary discrepancy or
axial inclinations are correct. Normally, this means that an asymmetry in occlusion. For example, in some
no new activation is required until approximately 3 Class II patients, it is far better to carry out differential
mm. of space closure has been produced. If one were to mechanics to allow mandibular posterior teeth to be
leave the spring in place after 3 mm. or so of space displaced forward.
closure, no further space will close; if it is left in place There are two possible strategies for encouraging
too long, exaggerated root correction would be ob- posterior teeth to move forward. The first of these in-
served, followed by increased space in the extraction volves the placement of differential residual moments
site. in the alpha and beta positions. Fig. 20 shows the pas-
With carefully bent springs, using a template, vari- sive shape of a 0.017 by 0.025 inch attraction spring.
ation is at a minimum. The standard deviations shown The loop has been posteriorly positioned (one third of
Fig. 21. Posterior protraction with a 0.017 by 0.025 inch TMA attractjon spring. Placing the loop off
center encourages posterior teeth to displace forward.
h = Distal activation.
F,, = Horizontal force.
Fv = Vertical force.
M,, = Anterior moment.
Mg = Posterior moment.
F/A = Load-deflection rate.
M,/F = Anterior moment-to-force ratio.
MB/F = Posterior moment-to-force ratio
the interbracket distance from the molar tube) and the ping around the apices of the posterior teeth. As the
angulation bends are increasingly larger as one ap- spring deactivates over 2.5 mm., the moment-to-force
proaches the alpha position. The force system that is ratio will rise slightly to 5.9. Thus, controlled tipping
produced is given in Table V. At the neutral position, with a relatively constant beta moment-to-force ratio is
very little moment is produced in the beta position (214 present throughout 2.5 mm. of space closure. The
Gm .-mm.) and a very large moment in the alpha posi- alpha moment-to-force ratio at the 4 mm. activation is
tion (2,574 Gm.-mm.). At 4 mm. of activation, 309 8 .O. The anterior segment might retract initially a small
Gm. is produced. Let us now compare the moment-to- amount; however, after 1 mm. of space closure, the
force ratios between the alpha and beta positions fol- ratio is 10.9, and if the anterior teeth move at all, they
lowing a 4 mm. activation. At the 4 mm. activation, the would tend to translate lingually. After 2 mm. of deac-
beta moment-to-force ratio is 4.4. Since the auxiliary tivation, the alpha ratio is 16.6. In this range, as the
tube lies 1 mm. apical to the bracket slot, one might spring continues to work out, any anterior movement
anticipate tooth movement approaching controlled tip- would be reflected by crown flaring and lingual root
Volume82 Segmented arch approach to space elosure 375
Number 5
Fig. 22. Force system for posterior protraction using a Class II Fig. 23. Posterior protraction using force system described in
elastic or a Class Ill elastic. The anterior segment will resist Fig. 22. Class II elastic increases force to the posterior seg-
lingual movement while the posterior segment tips forward. ment. Angulation in spring prevents the incisors from tipping
Moments are built into a centrally placed 0.017 by 0.025 inch lingually.
TMA attraction spring.
Table VI. Posterior protraction attraction spring TMA 0.017 by 0.025 inch centered with 100 Gm. elastic
M,iF MB/F
(nit.) (2, (2) (mm.) (mm.)
3 = Distal activation.
Fs = Horizontal force of spring.
FE = Horizontal force of elastic.
M, = Anterior moment.
Mp = Posterior moment.
FT = Total horizontal force on posterior segment.
M,/F = Anterior moment-to-force ratio.
MB/F = Posterior moment-to-force ratio.
movement. Differential mechanics are in effect; this 0.017 by 0.025 inch TMA off-center attraction springs
allows the posterior teeth to move forward by con- is shown in Fig. 21.
trolled tipping and the anterior teeth (if they move at The second strategy that can be used for displacing
all) to move slightly labially. A side effect is possible posterior segments forward uses a symmetrically placed
anterior extrusion because of the vertical extrusive attraction spring with the use of either Class II or Class
force on the incisors. III elastics. By using intermaxillary elastics during
This spring is designed to encourage posterior pro- space closure, one can minimize some of the side ef-
traction by utilizing the following principles: (1) the fects that would be evident if the same elastics were
loop is placed off center; this produces a more constant used after all space is closed, and the entire arch must
center of rotation in the beta position. By contrast, in be displaced. In lieu of elastics, protraction headgear
the alpha position, the moment-to-force ratio rapidly may also be considered.
increases so that if these teeth move at all, they will The TMA attraction spring is centrally placed be-
tend to move forward rather than posteriorly. (2) The tween the auxiliary tube of the first molar and the verti-
force is kept under 300 Gm. to minimize anterior re- cal tube of the canine. Typical angulation is placed as
traction or root movement. Buccal protraction using in previously described Group B arches where en masse
Table VII. Posterior protraction attraction spring TMA 0.0 17 by 0.025 inch centered with I SOGin. elastic
.--_-.--...
1 F.5 Me MU MJF M,jIF
(mm.) (Cm.) (& (c”n:., (Cm.-mm.) (Cm.-mm.) (mm.) I mm )
A = Distal activation.
F, = Horizontal force of spring.
F, = Horizontal force of elastic.
M, = Anterior moment.
MB = Posterior moment.
F., = Total horizontal force on posterior segment.
M,,/F = Anterior moment-to-force ratio.
MB/F = Posterior moment-to-force ratio.
translation is desired. The spring is activated 4 mm. springs or by increasing or decreasing the force of the
instead of the typical 7 mm. Fig. 22 shows the force intermaxillary elastics.
system that is developed, incorporating both an attrac- In comparing the two strategies for posterior pro-
tion spring activated to 4 mm. and an intermaxillary traction, with and without intermaxillary elastics, the
elastic of 100 Gm. The vertical forces of the elastics are choice depends upon the treatment objectives. By plac-
not considered. The anterior segment at the alpha posi- ing a loop off center, one can produce a differential
tion will feel the force from the spring (F,) and the moment-to-force ratio; however, this is produced at the
moment (MU). The posterior segment will feel two expense of vertical extrusive forces in the anterior seg-
forces-the force from the spring (F,) and the force ment. If one contemplates intruding or has intruded the
from the intermaxillary elastics (FE), giving a total anterior teeth, this method is not indicated. The use of
force (FT). A differential moment-to-force ratio is pro- intermaxillary elastics may alter the plane of occlusion,
duced between the anterior and posterior segments and particularly Class II elastics may undesirably
since the force is different between anterior and steepen a plane of occlusion, erupting incisors in a
posterior segments. Tables VI and VII give the force Class II patient. This undesirable side effect can be
system, in its entirety, for elastics of two different minimized or eliminated by the use of a headgear to the
strengths (100 Gm. and 1.50 Gm.). For a 150 Gm. upper arch which would produce a moment with re-
elastic, during 3 mm. of deactivation starting from a 4 spect to the center of resistance that flattens the plane of
mm. activation, the beta moment-to-force ratio will occlusion.
increase from 6.0 to 7.9. Over this distance, the poster-
ior teeth will tip forward with a center of rotation apical
to the apices of the roots. The alpha moment-to-force Since relatively low forces are capable of retracting
ratio at 4 mm. is 10.9, implying translation or lingual six teeth, there is little logic to separate retraction of
root movement, and increases to 31 after 3 mm. of canines followed by retraction of the four incisors. For
space closure. Overall, during space closure, the in- that reason, only patients who have anterior arch-length
cisors will tend to come forward and/or their roots will problems with anterior crowding require separate
move lingually (Fig. 23). By reducing the elastic force canine retraction. The force system that is used for
to 100 Gm., slightly higher /3 moment-to-force ratios retraction of the canine is similar to that for en masse
can be produced, so that after space closure less poster- space closure. The composite retraction spring is used
ior root correction is required. The tables give two in Group A arches, and the attraction spring is em-
possibilities in producing a differential force system. ployed in Group B and C arches (Fig. 24). The differ-
Others are possible, either by altering the alpha and ence lies in rotational control of the canine, which is
beta moments through angulation in the attraction achieved with a non&ding mechanism. Antirotation
Volume 82 Segmented arch approach to space closure 377
Number 5
3. The loop centricity affects the rate of change of for that reason canine retraction should be employed
the moment-to-force ratio in the alpha and beta posi- only in those patients in whom anterior crowding is
tions. If equal rates of change are required, loops present.
should be centrally placed. Where greater moment-to- Attraction mechanisms which deliver highly pre-
force ratio constancy is required, loops should be dis- dictable forces have been described. They are charac-
placed off center in the direction of those teeth (seg- terized by large activations; however, they deliver rela-
ment) where constancy is needed. tively low force magnitudes. Since activations are
4. The large interattachment distance between the large, it is not necessary and it may be undesirable to
auxiliary tube on the first molar and the vertical tube of reactivate them frequently. Reactivation depends on
the canine allows sufficient room for the large activa- careful monitoring of how space closure is proceeding.
tions required. In addition, it adds to the accuracy of An understanding of the force system and where and
determining the force system, since small errors in the how to modify it, with an appliance that is capable of
shape or geometry of the spring will not radically delivering a predictable force system, adds a new di-
change the forces produced. mension to the closure of space in the extraction case.
Variation in moment-to-force ratios as well as force
magnitude might be required for different clinical situ- REFERENCES
ations. In the attraction mechanisms that have been I. Burstone, C. J.: The rationale of the segmented arch, AM J.
ORFHOD. 48: X05-21, 1962.
described, the clinician varies the force by altering the
2. Burstone, C. J .: Mechanics of the seymented arch technique,
amount of activation according to force tables. He may Angle Orthod. 36: 99-120. 1966.
also alter the moment-to-force ratio by changing either 3. Burstone. C. I., and Koenig, H. A.: Optimizing anterior and
the angulation or the amount of activation. Typically, canine retraction, AM. 5. ORTHOD. 70: I-20, 1976.
this is accomplished by increasing or decreasing the 4. Goldberg, J.. and Burstone, C. J.: An evaluation of beta
titanium alloys for use in orthodontic appliances, J. Dent. Res.
distal activation rather than the angulation. Although
58: 593-600, 1979.
the force system is complicated, clinical practice is not, 5. Burstone, C. J., and Goldberg, J.: Beta titanium: A new orth-
since with calibrated springs the orthodontist need only odontic alloy, AM. J. ORTHOD. 7: 121-132, 1980.
reproduce a shape and decide on the number of milli- 6. Burstone, C. J.: Application of bioengineering to clinical orth-
meters of activation. Another significant consideration odontics. In Graber, T. M. (editor): Current orthodontic con-
cepts and techniques, ed. 2, Philadelphia, 1975, W. B. Saunders
is the centricity of the loop. Loops should not be placed
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anywhere mesiodistally. With the attraction springs de- I. Solonche, D. J., Burstone. C. J., and Vanderby, R.: A device
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