September’s Tip

In this IAO Monthly Tip we will review the author’s final application of the Helical Loop – an anchor to retain the elastomeric units.

Helical Loop as an Anchor

The Helical Loop may be used as an anchor for attaching intra-oral and extra-oral elastics, elastomeric chains, tie backs and closing coil springs. By incorporating Tip-back or Tip-forward into the Helical Loop, the Orthodontic Clinician may change the torque or tip on teeth in juxtaposition.

We seldom see posted or looped arch wires in contemporary Straight Wire System. However, posted and looped arch wires have a definite advantage because the force is applied and dissipated to the entire section of the arch instead of the single tooth.  A good example could be the maxillary cuspid where a Class II elastic is attached to the power arm on the bracket. The line of action is extrusion and disto-buccal moment on the crown of the maxillary cuspid. The result is distal tipping of the cuspid and extrusion, thus increasing the overbite. This can be mitigated to some degree by placing a small Rocking Chair Curve (compensating curve) into the maxillary arch wire.

This example is the Second Stage – Class II Carriere Motion 3D Appliance treatment.  The elastic (1/4” – 4.5 oz) – buccal intra is attached from the first molars to Helical Loops.

References

1. Henry Schein – Ortho Organizers; Carriere Motion 3D Manual
2. Palencar A. J., Case Finishing Manual, Rondeau Seminars: 212-213