Abstract

RUELLAS, Antônio Carlos de Oliveira; PITHON, Matheus Melo  and  SANTOS, Rogério Lacerda dos. Evaluation of the mechanical behaviour of different devices for canine retraction. Dental Press J. Orthod. [online]. 2012, vol.17, n.3, pp. 83-87. ISSN 2176-9451.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S2176-94512012000300017.

OBJECTIVE: To mechanically evaluate different systems used for canine retraction. METHODS: Three different methods for partial canine retraction were evaluated: retraction with elastic chain directly attached to bracket; elastic chain connected to bracket hook and with sliding jig activated with the aid of an elastic chain attached to a mini-implant. For this evaluation, a Typodont was adapted to simulate the desired movements when exposed to a heat source. After obtaining the measurements of the movements, statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: The mini-implant/sliding jig system (Groups M 0.018-in and M 0.019 x 0.026-in) favored less extrusion and distal inclination of the canines in the retraction stage (p < 0.005). Meanwhile, the retraction system with elastic chain directly attached to the orthodontic brackets (Groups C 0.018-in and 0.019 x 0.026-in) favored greater inclination and extrusion than the others, followed by the system of elastic chain attached to the hook (Groups G 0.018-in and 0.019 x 0.026-in). CONCLUSIONS: Canine retraction with the mini-implant/sliding jig system showed the best mechanical control. The worst results were observed with a 0.018 archwire when the elastic chain was attached to the bracket.

Keywords : Corrective Orthodontics; Canine tooth; Malocclusion.