BIOMECHANICS OF CANINE

RETRACTION

Introduction
Historical Perspective
Biomechanics
Classification of canine retraction
Friction mechanics
Frictionless mechanics
Recent Advances
Conclusion

Introduction
Retraction of the canines represents a
fundamental stage in a considerable number of
orthodontic treatments. Correct positioning of the
canine after retraction, recognized to be of
uppermost importance for function, stability, and
esthetics, can be obtained either by uprighting
after uncontrolled tipping or by means of
biomechanically predetermined and controlled
movement.

The principles for retraction currently used can

be described as either (a) a "frictional" system in
which the canine, through application of a force,
is expected to slide distally along and is guided
by a continuous arch wire or (b) a nonfrictional
system with forces and couples built into the
loops of an arch section.

Historical Perspective
Late in 19th Century
As extraction were done in the late 19 th century
finger springs or other methods were employed
for the simple pushing back of canine teeth. This
often resulted in tipping and elongation of teeth.
Tweed
He placed coil springs along the continuous .016
round arch and push cuspid from one side to the
other meanwhile tying back the arch to the
molar which were employed as anchors.
Ricketts
In 1980, Ricketts employed push coil springs in
order to obtain Sectional Cuspid retraction.

Smith & Storey

Conducted a study to find the optimal force for
distal movement of maxillary Canine. Lee (1966)
showed optimal force for distal movement of
Maxillary Canine with tipping was 15 to 260 cm.
Merrifield et al (1966)
Maxillary Canine was retracted in 0.017 x 0.022 ss
wire with high pull J hook headgear. A distal offset
bend mesial to second precuslar was given to
maintain Canine in the alveolar trough.
Charles Burstone and HerberstA.Koenig (1976)
Studied the factor that affects the M/F ratio of
canine retraction springs. They concluded that
better control of the root during retraction was
obtained by increasing Moment/Force ratio.

Wick Alexander et al (1978)

Showed in Vari Simplex Discipline, Maxillary
Canine was retracted in 0.016 inch SS wire in
0.018 inch slot long Bracket, a Single bracket
with flat rotational diamond form with two
circular holes in wing is used. Power chain to
exert force of 250 300 gms was used for Canine
retraction.
Charles and Jones (1982)
Showed retraction of Canine using sectional
mechanics does not need to bracket anterior
teeth and allowed spontaneous aligning of
crowded teeth.
Burstone (1982)
developed composite TMA spring for Canine
retraction.

Poul Gjessing (1985)

Developed a sectional arch technique that
produces optimal force system for
controlled Canine retraction. PG (1994)
Yasoo Wartanahe and Keisuke Miyanoto
(2002)
Developed a new Nickel Titanium Canine
retraction spring, which was constructed
from 0.016 x 0.022 Niti wire.
Sela et al (2004)
Conducted a study to evaluate the effect of
rapid canine distraction on dentoalveolar
tissue using semi rigid, individual tooth
Borne distraction designed by Bengi.

Biomechanics
The principles for retraction currently used can
be described as either (a) a "frictional" system in
which the canine, through application of a force,
is expected to slide distally along and is guided
by a continuous arch wire or (b) a nonfrictional
system with forces and couples built into the
loops of an arch section.

Center of resistance
Every object or free body has one
point on which it can be perfectly
balanced. This point is known as the
center of gravity.
The movement of a free body depends
upon the relationship of the line of
action of the force to the center of
gravity
In a restrained body, such as a tooth,
a point analogous to the center of
gravity is used; this is called the
center of resistance. By definition, a
force with a line of action passing
through the center of resistance
produces translation. The center of
resistance of a single-rooted tooth is
on the long axis of the tooth, probably
between one third and one half of the
root length apical to the alveolar
crest. i.e. 66% of root length from the
apex towards the alveolar crest

Two important points are evident from the

definition of the center of resistance.

First, the position of the center of resistance

varies with root length

A second important point is that the center of

resistance varies with alveolar bone height. The
movement of teeth in adults with alveolar bone
loss will be different than in adolescents.

Center of rotation

It is the point about which the body appears to have rotated.It

can be on or off the tooth
Eg if center of rotation on the apex ,less root movement
The more nearly translational the moment the farther apically
the centre of rotation would be located.
Method to determine the center of rotation
Take two points on the tooth and connect before and after
positions of each point with a line the intersection of
perpendicular bisectors is the center of rotations

The movement of a tooth (or a set of teeth) can

be described through the use of a center of
rotation. The ratio between the net moment
and net force on a tooth (M/F ratio) with
reference to the center of resistance
determines the center of rotation. since most
forces are applied at the bracket, it is
necessary to compute equivalent force systems
at the center of resistance in order to predict
tooth movement.

Controlling the rotation gives precise control over the

type of tooth movement (Marcotte)
Single force + single couple can produce any type
of tooth movements.

Effects of forces

Translation: If the line of action of an applied

force passes through the center of resistance
of a tooth, the tooth will respond with pure
bodily movement (translation) in the direction
of the line of action of the applied force.

Moment of a force. If the line of action of an

applied force does not pass through the
center of resistance, the force will produce
some rotation. The potential for rotation is
measured as a moment, and the magnitude of
the moment is equal to the magnitude of the
force multiplied by the perpendicular
distance of the line of action of the force to
the center of resistance

Types of tooth movement

Two important points are evident from the

definition of the center of resistance.

First, the position of the center of resistance

varies with root length

A second important point is that the center of

resistance varies with alveolar bone height. The
movement of teeth in adults with alveolar bone
loss will be different than in adolescents.

Equivalent Systems

There are three simple rules that allow the

calculation of equivalent force systems. Two
force systems are equivalent if (1) the sums of
forces in the x direction are identical, (2) the
sums of forces in the y direction are identical,
(3) the sums of moments about any point are
identical.
Moment of a force with respect to center of
resistance depends upon the perpendicular
distance of its line of action to the center of
resistance.
Therefore otherwise identical force placed
different position will have different effects on
tooth movement.

To determine how a tooth will move it is useful to

evaluate the force system at bracket to
determine equivalent force system at center
resistance.
For bodily movement the force system at the
bracket must be equivalent to a force with
moment of couple at the center of resistance.

Equivalent force for bodily

movement

The type of movement exhibited by a tooth is

determined by the ratio between the magnitude
of the couple (M) and the force (F) applied at the
bracket.
In order to produce movement other than
uncontrolled tipping that is to produce a
controlled tipping or translation a single force is
insufficient, a rotational tendency and also be
applied to the bracket.
The proportion of the rotational tendency
(Moment) to the force applied at the bracket will
determine the type of tooth movement produced.

Moment To Force Ratio At Bracket

TYPE OF TOOTH
MOVEMENT
Translation
Control Tipping (about
apex)
Uncontrolled Tipping
(about midroot)
Root Movement

M/F
10/1
5/1
0/1
12/1

Force Constancy
The most desirable type of tooth movement is
produced by a relatively constant force in an
optimal range. It is important to design the
active components of an appliance such that it
has the following properties.
Low LDR
LDR depends on Wire Cross Section, length,
material and configuration
Frictionless System
To achieve constant force and moment levels
sliding frictional forces should be reduced, that
impedes the movement of teeth, also these
forces alter the predictability of the desired
forces on the teeth during retraction process.

Scope of Retraction
1.

Friction
1.
ELASTIC MODLE WITH LIGATURE
2.
ELASTOMERIC CHAINS OR POWER CHAIN
3.
INTRA (OR) INTER MAXILLARY ELASTICS
TO KOBAYASHI LIGATURES
4.
COIL SRINGS
1. STAINLESS STEEL
2. NITI
5.
J-HOOK HEADGEAR
6.
SLIDING JIG AND TRACTION
7.
MULLIGANS V BEND SLIDING
MECHANICS

2.

Frictionless
1.
RICKETTS MAXILLARY & MANDIBULAR
CUSPID RETRACTION SPRINGS
2.
POUL GJESSING SPRING
3.
BURSTONE T-LOOP RETRACTION AND
ATTRACTION SPRINGS
4.
MARCOTTE SPRING
5.
MODIFIED LINGUAL LEVER ARM

Friction
Mechanics

Mechanism of Action of Friction Mechanics

To move a tooth bodily, the force applied has to
pass through the center of resistance of the tooth.
However as the force is applied at the bracket
level of the crown, the concerned tooth
experience both force and moment. Moment of
force is created in 2 planes of space. One moment
tends to rotate the canine mesial out as the force
application is buccal to the center of resistance
and the other tends to cause distal tipping of the
tooth as the point of force application is occlusal
to the center of resistance.

The wire bracket interaction tends to counteract

this moment by applying an opposite moment. As
distal tipping of the crown takes place, the tooth
slide along the archwire till binding occurs
between the archwire and the bracket. This
produces a couple at the bracket which results in
distal root movement and hence uprighting of
the tooth. As the tooth uprights, the moment
decreases until the wire no longer binds, Then
the canine retracts along the archwire till distal
crown tipping again causes binding. This process
is repeated until the tooth is retracted or the
force gets depleted.

The variables affecting frictional resistance during

tooth movement
A.

Physical
1.Archwire.
a. Material
b. Cross-sectional shape/size
c. Surface texture
d. Stiffness
2. Ligation of archwire to bracket
a. Ligature wires
b. Elastomerics
c. Method of ligation:method of tying, bracket
designs to limit force of ligation, self ligating
brackets

3. Bracket
a. Material
b. Manufacturing process : cast or sintered
stainless steel
c. Slot width and depth
d. Design of bracket : single or twin
e. First-order bend(in-out)
f. Seond-order bend(angulation)
g. Third-order bend(torque)
4. Orthodontic appliance
a. Interbracket appliance
b. Level of bracket slots between adjacent teeth
c. Forces applied for retraction

B. Biological
1. Saliva
2. Plaque
3. Acquired pellicle
4. Corrosion

Effect of Arch Wire

The effect of wire size - An increased wire
size is associated with increased (wire friction)
in general rectangular produce more friction
than round wires. Stiffness is importance since
the flexible wires during retraction will result
in canine tipping lingually, distally and also in
the incisor extrusion. The stiffer wires are less
springy and deflect less for a given force.
Changing the diameter or length of the wire
greatly changes the stiffness. An adequate
clearance should be provided between the
bracket and the wire to prevent binding.

Arch Wire Material The stainless steel made of

16x22 inch and 17x25 inch wires required the least
force to slide. The CO-CR wire required the least force
than S.S. wire the nitinol wire required more force than
S.S. wire and the beta titanium should be considered as
more resistant to tooth movement in a sliding fashion.
Effect of Ligation Technique on Friction
Elastomeric modules tied in a figure of 8 pattern,
exhibits more static frictional forces than elastomeric
modules tied conventionally, S.S. ligatures, Teflon
coated ligatures. Teflon coated ligatures exhibit the
least static frictional force.
Self ligating brackets The Orthodontic brackets are
now available with the self ligation bracket with highly
resilient spring clip. These show lower levels of friction
than others. Activa brackets and speed brackets show
low arch wire friction.

EFFECT OF BRACKET
Sintered stainless steel brackets produce significantly
lower friction than cast stainless steel brackets. Poly
crystalline ceramic gives more friction than ceramicreinforced composite with metal slot insert. Ceramicreinforced composite without metal slot insert,
exhibited very less friction.
Effect of Bracket width
The narrower the bracket the greater the length of
the inter bracket wire therefore greater the flexibility
of the wire in addition narrow brackets have less
control over rotation and tipping.
Biological effect Saliva and saliva substitute serves
as an excellent lubricant in the sliding of the bracket
along a arch wire.

Retraction of Cuspids in one of the most common

employed procedures in orthodontics. It is
generally done for the following two purposes.
1. Anchorage Conservation
A common way to improve anchorage control is to
pit the resistance of a group of teeth against the
ovement of a single tooth, rather than divinding
are arch into more or less equal segments. This
offers the advantage that lower forces are used
for the movement of asingle tooth and reaction
forces one dissipated over a large PDL area in the
anchor unit, thus discouraging loss of anchorage.
2. Crowding in the anterior segments
In case of moderate to severe crowding in the
anterior segments. It is necessary to retract the
canines to gain space for aligning the anteriors.

METHODS OF CANINE RETRACTION

IN SLIDING MECHANICS
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.
7.

ELASTIC MODULEWITH LIGATURE

ELASTOMERIC CHANIS OR POWER
CHAIN
INTRA (0R) INTER MAXILLARY ELASTICS
TO KOBAYASHI LIGATURES
COIL SRINGS
1. STAINLESS STEEL
2. NITI
J-HOOK-HEADGEAR
SLIDING JIG AND TRACTION
MULLIGANS V BEND SLIDING
MECHANICS

ELASTIC MODULE WITH LIGATURE

This method of retraction has been popularised
by Bennett and Mclaughlin. A single elastic
module of the type used to secure archwires to
brackets is attached to the canine by ligature
wires extending from the molar. These elastic
tiebacks are activated 2-3 mm or to twice their
original size to generate approximately 100150 gms of force. Provided that the arches are
properly levelled this light force allows for
effective retraction with minimal tipping of
teeth and maintenance of arch levelling.
Bennett and McLaughlin found .019 x .025
rectangular wires in .022 slots to be most
effective, providing maximum rigidity while
allowing adequate freedom for sliding.

ELASTIC CHAINS
These were introduced into the dental profession
in the 1960s and are used in many orthodontic
practices for canine retraction, diastema closure,
rotation correction and arch constriction.

Configurations
Elastomeric chains are available in 3
configurations:
1.
2.
3.

Closed loop chain

Short filament chain
Long filament chain
Long filament chains generally deliver a lower
initial force and exhibit a greater rate of force
decay at the same extension.

Advantages
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

6.

Inexpensive
Relatively hygienic
Easily applied without archwire removal
Not dependent on patient cooperation
Since molar anchorage is being reinforced,
both palatal and buccal elastic traction may be
applied.
In combination with the direct headgear
system. The headgear wear for anchorage
support does not as a rule need to be so
intensive.

Disadvantages

When extended and exposed to the oral

environment, they absorb water and saliva.
Permanent staining occurs after a few days in
the oral cavity.
Stretching causes breakdown of internal bonds
leading to permanent deformation.
Stress relocation leads to loss of force and
hence, gradual loss of effectiveness.
It gives variable force.
The Element of friction and binding as the
archwire flexes under force can occur,
especially if the canine starts at an unfavorable
angulation.

Prestretching
It is advisable to stretch or work the elastic
module prior to activation to achieve the
desired force levels, to overcome the problem
or rapid force decay rate and provide for a
more constant and consistent force delivery.
Environmental Factors
Tooth movement, pH and temperature changes,
fluoride rinses, salivary enzymes and
masticatory forces have all been associated
with deformation, force degradation and
relaxation behaviour of elastomeric chains.

Force Degradation
Most of the elastomeric chains generally loose
50% - 70% of their initial force during the 1st day
of load application and at 3 weeks retain only 30
40% of their original force.
Some of the chains extended 100% of the original
length produce force levels in excess of 450gms,
leading researches to recommend and extension
of 50% to 70%. Other chains when distracted
100% produce force levels of 300 grams. In view
of the wide variation of initial force levels of
different types of power chains, the prudent
practitioner should employ a force gauge to
determine the desired initial force. When just
applied a power chain produce a force of
approximately 250 300 gms.

4. INTRA OR INTERMAXILLARY ELASTICS

TO KOBAYASHI LIGATURES
Kobayashi ligatures : are stainless steel
ligatures incorporating a welded hook, for the
inter or intra-maxillary elastics. They are loosely
tied to the canine bracket and can be left as a
hook pointing mesially (or) can be tied so that
the hook faces distally, and is then bent
forwards.
- Useful for applying light forces to tip the
canine distally along a thin flexible archwire.
Not for already upright canine, requiring
further bodily movement.

Not an effective method of applying

traction to slide the canine bodily along
the arch wire, because the strong
elastics required for bodily movement
cause rotation and excessive binding of
the canine.
5. COIL SPRINGS
Coil springs were introduced to the
orthodontics world as early as 1931.
During the manufacturing process, the
material is subjected to winding that
includes tensional and torsional
components and hence spring
properties may be slightly different
from the wires made from the same
materials. The various materials that
have been used for making springs are;
i.
Stainless Steel
ii. NiTi

i. Stainless Steel Coil Spring

Stainless steel coil springs are efficient
methods of canine retraction. They apply more
predictable levels of force compared to elastic
based systems described before.
However, stainless steel springs have a
relatively higher load deflection rate compared
to some other material springs like NiTi
springs. So, as the space starts to close, there
is some force degradation due to lessening
activation. The amount of activation has to be
monitored to maintain ideal force levels.

Stainless Steel Coil spring normally used is made

of 0.2 mm hard stainless steel wire wound on to
an 0.8mm diameter wire mandrel.
Can be used in a variety of ways.
a.

Coil spring threaded on to the archwire and

compressed between the two canine bracket.

b.

Coil spring compressed between a soldered

stop on the arch wire and the canine bracket.

c.

Coil spring compressed between an incisor

bracket and the canine.

d.

Coil spring compressed by a tie-back ligature.

ii.

NiTi Closed Coil Springs

Nickel titanium alloys were introduced to the
dental profession by William P.Bleuer in the
1960s. He demonstrated the unique
combination of properties of shape memory
and super elasticity in addition to low modulus
of elasticity, moderately high strength, high
resilience and less corrosion. The concept of
Nickel Titanium coil springs was introduced in
1979. The force degradation is very less due to
the low load deflection rate. They deliver
constant amount of force till they reach the
terminal end of deactivation stage. They are
available in lengths of 9mm and 11mm.

Advantages
1.
2.
3.
4.

Can be easily placed and removed without

archwire removal
Do not need to be reactivated at each
appoinment.
Patient co-operation not required.
NiTi springs generally achieve faster and
more consistent space closure than elastomeric
modules.

Disadvantage
1.

Relatively unhygienic compared to elastic force

systems.

Inhibitors to Canine sliding Retraction

1.

2.

3.
4.

5.
6.
7.

Inadequate levelling resulting in archwire

binding.
Damaged or crushed brackets causing archwire
binding.
Soft tissue build up in extraction sites.
Cortical plate resistance (Narrowing of alveolar
bone in retraction sites).
Excessive forces causing tipping and binding.
Occlusal interferences.
Insufficient or inconsistent force.

EXTRA-ORAL TRACTION
6.

J-HOOK-HEADGEAR
During retraction of canines, the maintenance of posterior
tooth position has always been a major concern for the
orthodontists, mainly in those cases in which maximum
anchorage is needed.
One of the methods for accomplishing distal movement of
canines without loosing posterior anchorage is J-hookheadgear. It involves the use of headgear with J-hooks
where the hooks attach along a continuous arch wire
mesial to the canines and exert a force over them so that
they will slide along the arch wire. Since it incorporates
extra oral anchorage in canine retraction, it should be
effective in maximum anchorage cases.

J-hook headgear, either of the straight pull or high

pull type is cl8ipped on the archwire mesial to the
canines to slide them distally.
Straight pull headgear allows swifter canine
retraction than the high pull type. However, this
may cause anterior extrusion (Perej et al., 1980;
Hickham 1974) and unfavourable occlusal plane
rotations (Bowden 1978). This might specially be a
problem in high maxillomandibular angle cases.
High pull headgear may cause more bodily
retraction and also aid in bite opening (intrusion).
However, it is not as efficient for distal movement,
needing prolonged periods of wear for modest
results.
During the retraction, direction of force may be
varied between straight pull and high pull according
to the individual requirements of the case.

Advantages
1.

2.

3.

Extremely conservative of anchorage.

Additional molar support by head gear may be
done.
Sympathetic over jet reduction might occur
during canine retraction due to the distal force
and binding of the archwire.
Can be applied to both upper and lower arches
simultaneously if anchorage is at a premium by
the use of Hickhams directional headgear
system (1974).

Disadvantages
1.

2.
3.

4.

As force application is intermittent this is

slower than other methods of canine retraction.
This is specially true for high pull headgear,
where the true retractive force on the canines
may be quite modest.
Highly dependent on patient co-operation.
The molar and buccal segment correction is
usually a later event in treatment compared to
other systems.
Canine tipping and anterior extrusion can
occur with th straight pull headgear.

7. SLIDING JIG AND TRACTION

A jig made of either (0.22 in.) round wire or (0.017
in. x 0.022 in.) rectangular wire, is slid on to
the archwire in addition to a short piece of open
coil spring of about 4mm in length. The coil
spring lies in contact with the mesial surface of
the canine bracket and the circle of the jig rests
against the other end of the coil spring. Thus
when traction is applied to the hook of the jig
the coil spring is compressed against the
canine, pushing it distally. The traction can be
applied to the jig by either intra-or
intermaxillary elastics, or by extra-oral traction.
The diameter of the archwire should be close to
the bracket size. Thin flexible archwires are not
satisfactory for this technique.

Advantages
1.

It has the advantage that the force exerted

by the elastics is directed along the
archwire and thus bodily movement of the
canine is possible

Disadvantages
The jigs are quite difficult to lubricate and
their length must be correct so that the
canine is free to move back. They can
rotate around the archwire and become
caught under the bracket. They are fairly
bulky and thus act as a food trap and an
irritant to the cheek.

MULLIGANS V BEND SLIDING MECHANICS

V bend sliding mechanics was introduced by Mulligan in the

1970s. The basic principal was to apply differential moments to
the teets via bends in the continuous archwire while force for
retraction was applied by auxiliaries like elastic chain, coil
spring etc.
This is a variation of the normal sliding of the canine along the
continuous wire. In the .018 slot, .016 SS wire is used for
retraction while in the .022 slot, .016, .018 or .020 wires may
be used.

Lewis or other brackets with antirotation wings

should be used for minimizing and subsequently
correcting distal-in canine rotation. The
archwire is not tied into incisor brackets during
cuspid retraction. Engaging incisors reduces
the distal root moment placed in the canine,
resulting in excessive mesial root movement,
and laos incisors flaring. So, either the incisors
are not bonded or the archwire stepped gingival
to the incisor brackets during cuspid retraction.
The wire is tied in for 4 to 6 weeks for
alignment. The 450C V bends are added to the
wire and 200 gms of force are applied between
the canine and the molar. The V bends are
placed without removing the archwire using
calibrated optic pliers.

The purpose of the V bend is to allow differential

mediodistal moments on the canines and molars.
If the bend is placed off centre it creates a short
and along segment. The shorter segment is more
rigid and hence applies greater moments. So, if
maximal canine retraction is required the bend is
placed very close to molar and the bicuspids are
not banded. This causes a strong distal crown
moment on the molar which counteracts the
auxiliary force tending to move the molar crown
forward.

Thus this helps in reinforcing anchorage. On the

other hand, the longer span of wire towards the
canine, thought applying a moment to keep the
canine upright, allows some tipping to occur as
the moment is less. Thus the canine gets
retracted by tipping and uprighting. As the
canine retracts, the bend goes on becoming less
off center and mesial crown uprighting moments
on the canine increase. After closure of space, a
bend may be placed just distal to the canine and
the 2nd premolars banded. This allows equal and
opposite moments on both the canine and the
molar and thus allows root uprighting.

2nd premolars can be included at the start of

retraction and a bend placed just mesial to them.
This also allows the offset V bends to apply
differential moments. However this is not as
effective in anchorage conservation as placing
the bend next to the molar because the amount
of offset is less. In these cases the offset position
is naturally eliminated as space closure occurs.
When space closure is completed the V bend is
centered which allows root parallelism.

FRICTIONLESS
MECHANICS

Retraction is accomplished with loops (or)

springs, which offer more controlled tooth
movement than sliding mechanism. The force
of a retraction spring is applied by pulling the
distal and through the molar tube and cinching
it back.
BIOMECHANICS OF FRICTIONLESS
MECHANICS
The force system of an orthodontic appliance
determine the type of tooth movement
expressed. The forces act in all three planes of
space (first, second, or third order) Most space
closure concerns are second order, or the
sagittal view. The components of any force
system are

Alpha moment: This is the moment acting on the

anterior teeth (often termed anterior torque)
Beta moment: These are the mesio-distal forces
acting on the teeth. The distal forces acting on the
anterior teeth always equal the mesial forces acting
on the posterior teeth.
Vertical forces: These are intrusive-extrusive forces
acting on the anterior or posterior teeth. These
forces generally result from unequal alpha and beta
moments. When the beta moments is greater than
the beta moment, extrusive forces act on the
anterior teeth while intrusive forces act on the
posterior teeth. The magnitude of the vertical forces
is dependant on the difference between the moments
and interbracket distance (for equivalent alpha-beta
moment difference).

Differential anchorage is obtained by the

application of unequal alpha and beta moments.
The higher moment is applied to the anchorage
teeth. The differential moments are obtained by
applying the concept of the off-centre V-bend. An
off-centre V-bend in a wire result in unequal
moments. The closure the V-bend to a tooth or
set of teeth, the higher the applied moment. A
simplistic model for envisioning this force system
is to consider the V apex is to a bracket, the
shorter the wire the further the distance of Vapex to the bracket, the longer the wire , a
shorter wire has a higher banding moment than
a longer wire. Therefore, a higher moment acts
on the bracket closer to the V-bend than the
more distant bracket.

When a retraction spring is used, two moments control

gvertifcal and anchorage forces. The alpha moment
produces distal root movement of the anterior teeth,
while the beta moment produces mesial root movment
of the posterior teeth.
By varying the magnitude of these moments, differential
movement of the posterior and anterior segments can
be achieved. However, if the alpha and beta moments
are unequal, vertical forces are also generated.
If the beta moment is greater than the alpha
moment, anchorage is enhanced by the mesial root
moment of the posterior segment, and there is a net
intrusive force on the anterior teeth. If the alpha
moment is greater, the anchorage of the anterior
segment is increased, and there is a net extrusive force
on the anterior segment. If the alpha and beta moments
are equal in magnitude, no vertical forces are
generated.

The distance that the anterior and posterior

segments are to be moved depends on factors
such as the degree of crowding, the soft-tissue
profile, and the molar relationship. The amount
of anterior retraction or posterior protraction
needed should be determined before a loop is
designed.
If only anterior retraction is necessary, the
retraction loop should be placed closer to the
canine than to the molar, and a globe bend
should be added near the molar. A gable bend
that is larger in the posterior dimension will
produce a larger beta moment, thus increasing
posterior anchorage.

For both retraction of the anterior segment and

protraction of the posterior segment, the loop should be
placed midway between the posterior and anterior
segments. A gable bend of equal dimensions should be
used, so that the alpha and beta moments are equal and
reciprocal space closure occurs.
When only posterior protraction is desired, the loop
should be located closer to the posterior segment, and an
anterior gable bend should be placed with a greater
alpha moment than beta moment, making the anterior
teeth the anchorage segment.
Regardless of the initial magnitudes of the alpha and
beta moments, changes in magnitude will occur during
retraction. As the anterior teeth are retracted, the
enhancing posterior anchorage. Also, as the beta
moment becomes relatively greater, there is a greater
intrusive force on the anterior teeth and a greater
extrusive forces on the posterior teeth.

Concurrent with the decrease in both alpha and

beta moments, there is an increase in the
moment-to-force ratio of the retraction spring,
resulting from the lower applied force produced
by tooth movement. Since the M/F ratio
increased as the spring deactivates, thee spring
should not be reactivated too often. Frequent
reactivation will not allow the spring to achieve a
high enough M/F ration to produce translation.

METHODS OF CANINE RETRACTION IN

FRICTIONLESS MECHANICS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.

RICKETTS MAXILLARY & MANDIBULAR

CUSPID RETRACTION SPRINGS
POUL GJESSING SPRING
BURSTONE T-LOOP RETRACTION AND
ATTRACTION SPRINGS
MARCOTTE SPRING
MODIFIED LINGUAL LEVER ARM
RICKETTS MAXILLARY & MANDIBULAR
CUSPID RETRACTION SPRINGS

These retractors were made to be used in 0.018

bracket slot.

Maxillary Cuspid retractor

This is a combination of a double
verticle closed helix & an
extended crossed T, resulting in
a loop design measuring 70mm
of wire made of blue Elgiloy wire
which delivered about 30-50gms
of force per mm of activation.
Advantage
Rapid closure results from its
use and only a few weeks of
wearing is necessary.
Disadvantage
Bulky & irritating to soft
tissues.

Mandibular Cuspid retractor

Since this large extended loop,
was difficult to use in the lower
arch, due to the fact, that it
would extent into the chewing
area.
The wire had to be altered at the
site of the bridge so it was rolled
and flattened, so that lower value
could be delivered in that section
more comparable to that of the
upper. The mandibular cuspid
retractor is a compound spring-a
double vertical helical closing
loop. The lower retractors can be
used in upper, in case of patients
with a very low sulcus but it
delivers more than 50 gms per
mm of activation.

It contains 60mm of wire 16x16 blue elgiloy

and produces approximately 75 gms of force
per mm of activation. A range of variation
exists due to loop size and character of wire.
Therefore 2 3mm of activation is required to
produce the desired force.
Precaution to be used with these springs
while activation
1. On initial placement an approximately 90 o
gable bend is essential so that both the canine
and molar do not tip excessively.
2.
Activation in the upper arch is 3 4 mm at
each adjustment. This would mean pulling the
wire through the tube and locking it with a
simple bend.

3.

In older adults, the activation is 1mm at the 1st

inspection and subsequently 2 3mm in order
to minimize the force.

4.

In the lower arch the bone channel is too

narrow for the cuspid root apex. So the initial
force is towards the buccal and then slowly
around the corner of the arch

5.

The lower cuspid retractor has slightly more

force per mm of activation than has the upper.
So in adult patient initially 1mm, then 2-2.5mm
of activation can be made.

6.

For maximum anchorage cases, preparation in

the form of Nance holding arch, lingual arch or
utility arch is desired.

2. THE POUL GJESSING CANINE

RETRACTION SPRING
The PG maxillary canine
retraction spring was described
by its originator Poul Gjessing in
1985. Essentially the spring
consist of a double ovoid helix
with a smaller occulsally placed
helix, and is in the preformed
version, available commercially
constructed in 0.016 x 0.022 inch
stainless steel wire..

Spring Design
The spring design made from 0.016 x 0.022 inch
stainless steel wire. The predominant active element is
the ovoid double helix loop extending 10mm apically
and width 5.5 mm. It is included in order to reduce the
load/deflection of the spring and is placed gingivally so
that activation will cause a tipping of the short
horizontal arm (attached to the canine) in a direction
that will increase the couple acting on the tooth. Height
is limited by practical considerations, so that a double
loop is necessary to incorporate sufficient wire. The
gently rounded form avoids the effect of sharp bends on
load/deflection and, through the use of the greatest
amount of wire in the vertical direction, reduction of
horizontal load/deflection is maximized. At the same
time, minimizing horizontal wire increases rigidity in
the vertical plane. The smaller loop occlusally is
incorporated to lower levels of activation on insertion in
the brackets in the short arm (couple) and is formed so
that activation further closes the loops.

The mesial and distal extensions of the looped

wire segment are angulated both in the vertical
and in the horizontal plane. When the spring is
in place, but prior to activation of the driving
force static antitip and antirotation couples will
be exerted to the canine. The distal driving
force is generated by pulling the distal,
horizontal leg through the molar tube. A
desirable force level of approximately 160 gm
is obtained when the two sections of the double
helix are separated 1mm. During the activation
the force is matched by an additional couple
(activation couple) arising from the doublehelix loop which in theory, acts as four level
arms.

Incorporation of a segment of a circle (sweep)

in the distal leg of the spring in an adjustment
with the purpose of eliminating undesirable beta
moments acting at the second premolar bracket
and tending to move the root apex too far
mesially.
Measurements
Alpha bend:
15o
Beta bend:
12o for IInd Pre-molar and
30o for Ist Molar
Anti-Rotation bend: 35o

The ideal retraction spring should deliver a light

continuous force of suitable duration and apply couples
of suitable magnitude to prevent tilting and rotation
occuring as the tooth retracts.
The PG retraction system has been designed to
facilitate segmented treatment for extraction cases.
The basic element of the system which is available in
right and left versions is a prefabricated highly
standardized, stainless steel retraction spring that is
adjusted to fit both 0.018 and 0.022 edge wise
appliance.
The PG universal retraction spring is designed for
controlled retraction of either canines or upper
incisors. No clinical alterations of the spring is needed
and force system produced is independent of inter
bracket distance. The spring is precalculated to deliver
predictable M/F in three planes of space. The
magnitude of the force delivered, which is kept within
desirable physiological limits can be identified by
reading the morphology of the spring during activation.

Clinical Application
Alignment of the Buccal
Teeth
The spring is constructed to
resist tendencies for tipping
and rotation during canine
retraction, not to correct
existing rotations or extreme
deviation in inclination.
Therefore the buccal
segment, including the
canine, second premolar, first
molar and eventually second
molar must be leveled prior
to the insertion of the spring.

Adjustment of Faciolingual loop inclination

The correct facio lingual position of the spring is
obtained by adjusting the anterior and posterior
extensions before insertion.
Bracket Engagement
The anterior extension of the spring is engaged in
the canine bracket. The posterior extension must
be engaged in both premolar and molar brackets
to obtain optimum transverse control of the canine
and alignment of the canine, premolar and molar.
The anterior extension is pulled mesially until the
small circular helix contacts the distal aspect of
the canine brackets and the wire is secured by
bending the anterior extension gigivally.

Activation
The spring is activated by pulling distal to the
molar tube until the two loops separate. The wire is
secured with the gingival bend in the posterior
extension. Reactivation in the initial spring
configuration should be done every 4 to 6 weeks.
This amount of activation produces the
recommended initial load of 100gms. It is critical to
avoid over activation of the spring, because a few
mm of over activation can result in anchor loss.
Since the average distance from the centers of the
brackets to the CR are identical for the upper and
lower canines, the PG retraction spring works
equally well for canine retraction in either arch.

Deviations in anatomy or root inclination or improper

clinical manipulation of the spring may result in
steepening of the mesiodistal inclination of the
retracted canine. This can be corrected by uprighting
the tooth after retraction. The spring is modified in the
mouth by placing a V bendin the buccal loop with the
three prong plier, thus increasing the alpha moment to
about 1500gms/mm which appears to be ideal for
uprighting.
Minor rotations of the canine may also be noted in rare
instances. They are easily corrected after retraction
with lingual elastics.
Without additional anchorage support, the second
premolar and the first molar can be expected to migrate
mesially as the canine is retracted. Such mesial
migration of the anchorage unit is oftern desirable, but
in critical, cases it may be necessary to use a
transpalatal arch and extraoral traction.

Clinical evaluation of the PG universal retraction

spring has shown that the mesial movement of
the anchorage unit takes place as a translation.
The anchorage group as a whole is not affected
by unwanted side effect such as extrusion and
rotation. Therefore the magnitude of the couples
and extrusive force generated by the posterior
extension of the spring should be more than
offset by neuromuscular forces of occlusion.
Clinical evaluation of PG spring, in common with
other retraction spring, is made difficult by
individual patient variability.

Advantage
In general it has been found that the spring
tends to tip the maxillary canine distally during
retraction, unless the canine arm is gabled to
approximately 45o. Although gabling by this
amount should theoretically produce an
excessively high N/P ratio during deactivation
which would cause the canine to tip mesially. It
has been found clinically that this does not
occur because the spring distorts on insertion
thereby reducing the gable angle. Excessive
stress relaxation and undesirable large
retraction forces can be produced by over
retraction. For this reason activation should be
confined to 1mm as recommended by Gjessing.
Clinical observation, however, suggests that the
recommended amount of lateral curvature helps
to minimize this tendency.

Disadvantage
The PG spring is bulky, and the depth of the
buccal sulcus limits the height of the pear. It
should be noted that, as with other retraction
components, a reduction in the heights of the
spring will not only significantly decrease the
flexibility but will also reduce the antitilt
moment/force ratio.

BURSTONE T-LOOP RETRACTION & ATTRACTION

SPRINGS
The Burstone T loop 0.017 x 0.025 T.M.A. composite
retraction spring is used in Group A arches and the
attraction spring is employed in Group B & C arches.
The difference lies in rotational control of the canine,
which is achieved with a non-sliding mechanism.
Antirotation bends are placed in the retraction assemblies
to prevent the canine from rotation as it retracts.
It is also possible to use an arch wire to prevent rotation.

The Burstone composite T loop retraction spring is made

from 0.017 x 0.025 inch TMA wire.
The basic element of the spring is a prefabricated highly
standardized universal spring, which could be used on both
the right and left sides. These prefabricated versions have to
be preactivated as per a prescribed template.

Subsequent to pre-activation, the spring is

precaliberated to deliver predictable moment to force
ratios. The magnitude of the force delivered is
identified by reading the horizontal separation of
the vertical legs of the T loop.
Initially the M/F ratios are approximately 6-8 which
produce controlled tipping. As the space closes and
the spring deactivates, the force level delivered by
the spring decreases at a much faster rate than the
moments. This cause both Ma/F and Mb/F ratios to
increase. These ratios soon become 10, where
translation will occur.
Further deactivation increases the M/F ratio to 12
and teeth might undergo root movement.

As can be seen, overall translation is accomplished

by combination of controlled tipping, translation and
the root movement. Therefore, it is important that this
attraction spring not be reactivated too soon. If
reactivated too frequently the teeth would undergo
only tipping. M/F ration must be allowed to increase
sufficiently to allow root movement to occur.
Because there might be slight difference in the
magnitude of the alpha and beta moments, vertical
forces are exerted on the teeth, however, throughout
the entire activation, the vertical forces produced are
not clinically significant.
As previously stated, the M/F ratios must be allowed to
increase sufficiently for translation to occur. Allowing
the spring to deactivate approximately 2.5mm may
give the proper M/F ratios to accomplish the desired
movement.

Clinically by checking the position of the bracket

slots to each other, one can determine whether it
it time to reactivate the attraction spring. As soon
as the bracket slots have the same mesiodistal
angulation as at the start of the movement the
spring can be reactivated.
The 0.017 x 0.025 symmetric T-Loop is available
two heights a regular or long height is normally
preferred while a short one is used when
vestibular depth is a critical factor. This short
spring is activated 3.0mm to 4.0mm. Like the
0.017 x 0.025 spring, the M/F ratio must be
allowed to increase sufficiently for all necessary
movements to occur to obtain translation.
Again, position of bracket slots to each other and
to the treatment occlusal plane is used to
determine clinically when reactivation is
necessary.

Spring Preactivation
Before the spring is inserted in the moth it needs to be
preactivated as follows:
1. Curvature is bent in the occlusal part of the spring.
This part of the spring may deform during activation and
therefore needs to be over bent and followed by a trial
activation. Then remove the excess curvature.
2. Open the ears in the gingival part of the T-spring and
add some angle to the occlusal vertical arms so that the
neutral position is correct. Then trial activate.
3. Recheck the T-spring on the template which is a guide
for the required angulation.

To determine the amount of distal activation, the following

formula is used to establish the spring length.
L = I.T.D. Activation.
Where,
I.T.D. is the inter tube distance from the mesial of the molar
tube to the canine auxiliary tube.
Activation is the amount of the activation of the spring
L is the spring length, where B = L/2 i.e B is the distance from
the center of the T-loop to the 90 degree band at the canine
bracket position (alpha position).

1.

Simultaneously applying a force from the

lingual
By bonding a lingual button and use of elastics
which is changed daily at a force level equal to
that of a T-spring at half activation(3mm). So a
toal distal force is applied, half from each
buccal and lingual side. But patient compliance
is an important consideration.

2.

Placing antirotation bends in the

attraction spring
Antirotation bends can be placed in the
following areas the ears, the vertical arms,
and to a small extent to the horizontal arms
producing an angel of 120 degrees.

3.

Using a optimally stiff buccal arch wire

4.

Placing a cupid to cuspid stabilizing

segment
Intrusive and extrusive forces result from the
difference in the alpha and beta moments. As
the force is applied from the buccal aspect,
buccal movement of canine crown on intrusion
and lingual movement on extrusion occurs. A
cuspid to cuspid bypass wire effectively
prevents rotation, actively derotates teeth
when there is sufficient space, alters arch
width and eliminate side effects from vertical
forces.

Canine root movement

If the canines are retracted separately they may
require a phase of root uprighting after space
closure if controlled tipping has occurred. In
deciding the type of root movement required the
lateral, intraoral, 45 degree cephalograms are
consulted.
Canine root movements are achieved by root
springs, although the basic mechanism involved
is the same for both enmass root movement of
anterior segment and individual canine and
incisor root movements.

One method is to use a bypass arch wire plus

root spring. The bypass wire is a rigid continuous
arch stepped occlusally to thecuspid and tied or
cinched back distal to the last molar. A figure
eight tie is a good precaution to prevent the
spaces from opening. The root spring can be a
cantilever made of 0.017 x 0.025 TMA wire.
Another approach is to weld a 0.018 TMA loop
onto the cuspid bypass.

Equal and opposite moments and horizontal

forces should act on the canine and the
anchorage unit. In case of a cantilever there will
be a small vertical force extruding the canine
and intruding the rest of the arch. As soon as the
canine bracket hits the archwire, there will be
equal and opposite moments. The horizontal
forces can cause loss of anchorage and in critical
situations head gears may have to be used. In
addition a root spring moment has to be kept as
low as possible to maintain anchorage.
Another method uses a posterior segment with a
rectangular loop. It can be used if the anterior
are not well aligned to fabricate a full arch wire
with a bypass.

MARCOTTE SPRING
This is a type of minor cuspid retraction spring
and is small, light 0.016 inch closing loop.
This spring extends from the auxiliary tube of the
1st molar bracket to the bracket on the cuspid,
and is activated by being pulled throng the
auxiliary tube and cinched. The buccal segment
feels, then a protractive force and a positive
moment, while the tooth is being walked back
on the wire. Hence are used in Group B or C
Arches. Activation should be limited to 1 2mm.

5.MODIFIED LINGUAL LEVER ARM TECHNIQUE

The adaptability of the periodontal tissue to orthodontic
forces declines with age. Therefore, any adult patient
should undergo periodontal examination prior to and
during orthodontic treatment and adult mehanotherapy
should involve pure bodily tooth movement to avoid
overloading of the periodontal tissues.
A single force at the bracket slot level produces
uncontrolled tipping a rotation around the center of
resistance. This generates high periodontal stress levels
at the apex and alveolar crest, which may result in
apical root resorption or periodontal trauma. Rotation
around the long axis of the tooth will also occur. To
achieve direct translation, a single force directed at the
center of resistance is needed.

Holographic examination has shown that the

center of resistance of a single rooted tooth is
located about 40 percent of the distance from
the alveolar crest to the apex. The exact
location is influenced by factors such as root
length, marginal bone level, and characteristics
of the periodontal ligament. With a normal bone
level, the distance between the bracket slot and
the center of resistance is about 10mm.
Appliance Design
The original lingual lever arms were
complicated and expensive to construct, being
made of cast precious metal extended across
the palatal vault a simple alternative, is used
now.

An .032 stainless steel spring wire is soldered to

a bonding pad or a band. A hook is bent in the
wire 20mm from thepad.
The lever arm is adapted to the palatal vault and
bonded to the lingual surface of the tooth to be
moved (usually a cuspid or premolar) at the same
height as the bracket on the buccal side.
Scotchbond should be used, in addition to the
customary bonding adhesive, to resist the
shearing forces that occur when loading the
lever arm.

Two elastic chains or superelastic closed coil

springs (Sentally Blue) are used as a power
source; one is stretched buccally between the
cuspid or premolar bracket and the molar tube at
crown level and the other is stretched palatally
from the lever arm to an extension soldered on a
transpalatal bar. Sentalloy springs deliver
constant forces of about 120 140g over a
4.5mm range.
The tip of the lever arm will thus be located at
approximately the apical level of the bicuspid. In
the vertical dimension, the distance between the
hook of the lever arm and the center of
resistance equals the distance between the
buccal bracket and the center of resistance. The
moments of the two equal force cancel each
other out, producing a net force directed at the
center of resistance.

In the anteroposterior dimension, there is a

small difference between the distance from the
tip of the lever arm to the center of resistance
and the distance from the bonded bracket to the
center of resistance.
This produces a slight rotation, which is
desirable if the tooth was rotated out distally
before treatment.
An .016 x .022 stainless steel guiding archwire
should be used. Because translation will occur,
tooth movement can be accomplished without
significant loss of force due to bracket friction.

COMPARATIVE STUDIES
Comparison of NiTi Coil springs Vs. elastics
in Canine retraction Andrew L. Sonis, DMD
J.C.O. 1994 volume XXVIII Numbers
The study was designed to compare the canine
retraction rates of conventional elastics and nickel
titanium coil springs, using a continuous archwire
system.
The ideal force delivery system would meet the
following criteria:

Provide optimal tooth-moving forces that elicit

the desired effects.

Be comfortable and hygienic for the patient.

Require minimal operator manipulation and

chairtime.

Require minimal patient cooperation.

Be economical.

Elastomeric auxiliaries are relatively consistent

in producing tooth movements, but have several
drawbacks. To compensate for the high and rapid
decay rates of elastomeris, initial forces must
often be greater than is desirable. In addition,
patients must be seen frequently for change of
elastomeric to ensure that the force remains
adequate.
Nickel titanium coil springs have been shown to
produce a constant force over varying lengths,
with no decay. They may be able to meet all the
above criteria for an ideal force delivery
system.

Nickel titanium closed coil springs produced

nearly twice as rapid a rate of tooth movement as
conventional elastics along a stainless steel arch
wire rated at about the same force level. This
discrepancy is probably due to two factors: the
ability of the springs to maintain a relatively
constant force level compared to the elastics,
and the elimination of the need for patient
cooperation.
Invitro studies have shown that a nickel titanium
closed coil spring can be stretched as much as
500% without permanent deformation, while still
delivering a nearly constant force. On the other
hand, latex elastics suffer significant and rapid
force decay as the space closes and the length of
the elastic decreases, the applied force
decreases even more.

3. A comparison of the rate of space closure using

a nickel titanium spring and an elastic module:
A clinical study
R.H.A. Samuels, MD Sci., M.Orth., et al., AJO
1993 (464 467)
A study of the efficiency of space closure after
premolar extraction was undertaken, comparing a
nickel titanium closed coil spring and an elastic
retraction module by using sliding mechanics along
an 0.019 x 0.025 inch stainless steel arch wire in
0.022, inch preadjusted stainless steel brackets.
The particular property of super elastic nickel
titanium in producinga light continuous force over a
long range of action was compared with previously
available materials.

Inference
1. The use of super-elastic nickel titanium coil
springs resulted in a significantly greater and
more consistent rate of space closure than elastic
modules.
2. When examined clinically, there was no
difference in tooth position produced by the two
systems after space closure.

4. A clinical study of maxillary canine retraction

with a retract spring and with sliding mechanics
Peter Ziegler, DDS, et al., Am.
J.orthod.DentoFac.orthop.1989;95:99-106
The efficiency of maxillary canine retraction by means
of sliding mechanics along an 0.018 inch labial arch
and an Alastil chain was compared with that using the
canine retraction spring designed by Gjessing.
The rate of canine retraction and degree of tipping,
and rotation of the canine were studied in 21 subjects
by one of these two methods on either side of the
dental arch. Measurements were made in the mouth
and on photographs of dental casts. The canine was
retracted faster and with less distal tipping with the
spring than with the sliding mechanics. The canine
retraction spring was not superior to the sliding
mechanics in controlling canine rotation during the
retraction.

RECENT ADVANCES
1.

Canine retraction with rare earth magnets: An

investigation into the validity of the constant force
hypothesis (Am. J. Orthod Dentofac Orthop 1996;
109:489-95), John Daskalogiannakis, DDs, MSc, et al.
The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that a
prolonged constant force provides more effective tooth
movement than an impulsive force of short duration. Six
human subjects were selected, the mail criterion being a
need for extraction of their upper first premolars. Canine
retraction on these subjects was executed on one side with
the application of a force rapidly declining in magnitude,
produced by a vertical loop, and on the other side with the
application of a relatively constant force. This type f force
was achieved by a similar vertical loop which was
constantly activated by three parylene coated
neodymium-iron-boron (Nd2Fe14P) block magnets. The
vertical loop on the control side was reactivated 6 weeks
after the initial activation. No reactivation was necessary
on the experimental side for the duration of the
experiment. The rate of tooth movement on the two sides
was compared over a period of 3 months.

Inference
On the basis of maxillary impression taken at
frequent intervals during the course of the
study, the canines retracted with a constant
force moved statistically significantly more
that the control canines during the
experimental period. The average differences
in the mean rates of tooth movement between
the two sides were in the order of 2:1 in
favour of the experimental side. There were
no statistically significant differences in the
changes of angulation (tipping) or rotation
about they axis between the two sides. The
duration of force application seems to be a
critical factor in regulating rate of tooth
movement. Conversely, magnitude of the
applied force did not appear to be of primary
significance.

2.

Nickel Titanium Canine Retraction

A new nickel titanium retraction spring that incorporates a
simple vertical closing loop with antitip and antirotation
bends. The major advantage of this spring is the ability to
use it without a preliminary leveling stage, because it can
simultaneously retract the canines and level the posterior
teeth. Its light, coninuous force allows an activation of a
such as 10mm to complete canine retraction without
reactivation of the closing loop.
Canine retraction spring made from .016 x .022 Titanium
wire, with antirotation bends incorporated in closing loop.
Because it is impossible to maintain normal plier bends in a
nickel titanium wire, the vertical closing loop and antitip
and anti-rotation bends were momorized by heat-treating
the wire in an electric oven. An .016 x .022 Titanium wire
was contoured with a three-prong plier, embedded in a heat
resistant plaster to maintai9n its shape, and heat treated for
15 minutes at 550oC, according to Ohuras method.

CONCLUSION
Depending upon the techniques employed a number of
procedures are used for the retraction of canine, in
the treatment of extraction cases.
Some mechanics employed may create compression or
tension and use an arch wire, for control , allowing the
canine to move. Unfortunately with such mechanics,
high moments are produced which can inhibit its
movements.
No single technique suits every situation because each
technique has its limitation. Thus the individual
operator must choose the method preference to treat
malocclusion, which require, bodily movement or
rotation of teeth with minimal time, to produce an
aesthetic and functional and near ideal occlusion as
possible.