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INTRODUCTION
l
REMARKS:
Many things will be said in this book that you may never have
heard before – not even in your graduate education. Having
been interested in cause-effect relationships since my childhood,
it has always been my nature to constantly ask the question,
“WHY?” Often, I did not receive answers that satisfied my
curiosity, so from the time I began my practice in August 1962, I
began searching for the answers myself. Having a deep interest
in the clinical aspects of orthodontic treatment, I closely
observed both expected and unexpected tooth movements. I
enjoy the academics in orthodontics, but find it disappointing
when the academic and clinical aspects are not in agreement. I
sincerely hope that everyone who reads this book will find both
their personal and professional lives enhanced.
Note in Figures 1-6 thru 1-8 that the archwire has been activated
by bending the wire lingual to the molars. Determine only the
forces present and disregard the moments for these examples.
Introduction 1 5
What moments
will be present at Are these
the molar tubes? moments
correct?
(Disregard the forces).
Next, the same illustrations will be shown, but only the moments
are to be determined. Disregard any forces present.
Only Forces
Moments not
shown shown
Remember also!
Remember this! The long section points in the direction of
Regardless of whether the smaller the force produced. Therefore, the short
moment is clockwise, counterclockwise, section points opposite to the force
or nonexistent – the net moment produced. The bracket located closest to
determines the forces present. the bend contains the largest moment.
Figures 1-21 and 1-22 offer very simple rules to predict the
forces and moments previously discussed. This is not exactly a
scientific method for identification, but it is a good memory
method until such time as immediate recognition of forces and
moments takes place. This will occur with a thorough
understanding of equilibrium requirements.
In-Bend Out-Bend
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
P.E.VS.O.P.E. VS.
OTHER PEOPLE’S EXPERIENCE
SUGGESTED READINGS
UNDERSTANDING
FORCES AND MOMENTS
2
For some reason, the terms forces and moments do not always
seem to be thoroughly understood. It is true that the English
language seems to suffer over a period of time, but in the area of
mechanics it is important to understand exactly what each term
means and to use these terms properly. The terminology which
follows will be used in a practical manner. There are exacting
definitions that may be confusing to many while there are
descriptions that may convey a practical meaning to most
clinicians.
Orthodontic clinicians know from
FORCE SYSTEMS personal experience that a specific
force system does not necessarily
produce the same response for
The same force system may produce a
different patients. Nothing in life
variable response. happens without a reason. Force
Force magnitude is a significant factor. magnitude can be very significant.
as stated in Figure 2-1.
Figure 2-1
Forces act in
a straight line
1
– not a curve
2 3
Push from Pull from
the lingual the buccal
Figure 2-7
Understanding Forces and Moments 2 15
CUE-BALL CONCEPT
Translation
The result of the
applied force is a
moment and a
force at the center
of resistance.
Center bend
producing equal
& opposite
moments to those
already present. This is an Equivalent Force System.
Figure 2-16
In Figure 2-16 upper left, forces have been applied at the crown
level resulting in tipping moments. The force system is always
shown at the center of resistance. Remember that a force
applied away from the center of a body will cause the body to
move in the direction of the applied force and rotate because of
the perpendicular distance. With the addition of a center (gable)
bend shown in the lower part of the illustration, moments
opposite to the tipping moments are created thereby eliminating
tipping moments measured at the center of resistance. The result
is that only pure forces remain as seen on the right in Figure 2-
16. This is referred to as an equivalent force system. Remember
the so-called powerarms that were introduced to the profession
in order to create a translatory force through the center of
resistance? Where are they now? Does this tell you how
successful or unsuccessful the results have been?
Pure Rotation
Surgical
Exposure
Moment of a couple
(Pure Rotation)
PURE
Couple ROTATION
Required
Remember to
visualize the crown
Applied as a Cue-Ball
Couple
Figure 2-27
While discussing forces and moments, we should look at the
effect of vertical forces acting through the molar tubes.
Undesirable consequences often occur as a result. Figure 2-28
Understanding Forces and Moments 2 23
Intrusive force
Extrusive force produces buccal
produces lingual crown moment.
crown moment.
Functional Curves
Spee The long axis should
These curves lie parallel to the
Internal Pterygoid
can be helpful resulting in axial
1
in determining Monson loading (stability).
which arch is
involved and to Wilson
2 3
what degree.
Curve of Monson Curve of Wilson
Lingual
Buccal
Crown 1 Crown
1
Displacement
Displacement
2 3 2 3
2nd Molar 2nd Molar
Width is Width is
Change in Molar Width Normal Change in Molar Width Normal
It has been pointed out that force systems for the patient produce
variable responses. Molars may erupt for one patient but not
another simply because of force magnitude. Other movements
such as reciprocal first and second bicuspid rotations tend to be
quite similar. It has been stressed that force systems must be
predicted and understood in order to effectively utilize them for
patient treatment. For many, biomechanics may seem like an
academic adventure because of unexpected responses. Different
types of responses have been demonstrated with the so-called
cue-ball concept and clinical examples illustrated. If the
orthodontist can begin to associate tooth movement with what
has been experienced in life, such association may gradually
lead to applications in orthodontic treatment.
SUGGESTED READINGS
Smith RJ, Burstone CJ. Mechanics of tooth movement. Am J Orthod
1984;85:294-307.
STATIC EQUILIBRIUM
AND ITS IMPORTANCE
3
Everyone has had the experience in
life of being in balance or out-of-
A B
balance. Whether balance has been
lost due to excessive drinking or
playing on a teeter-totter while young,
1 the experience of imbalance at one
time or another is certainly universal
Figure 3-1 in nature.
REQUIREMENTS FOR
EQUILIBRIUM
1. Sum of the Vertical Forces equals zero.
the bracket slots are level with bends placed in the archwire,
whereas in the lower part of each illustration, the archwires have
no bends, but instead the brackets are angulated. Such angles
may be purposely introduced into the appliance or may be
produced by the malocclusion. In either case, a force system
will be produced in order to meet the complete requirements for
static equilibrium. If there is any difficulty in identifying the
total force system in each of the above, then the unrecognized
aspect of the force system may be the cause of undesirable
responses that lead to the use of
preventive measures such as lingual or
transpalatal arches. Figure 3-11 tends to
create controversy with those visually
oriented in determining force systems,
as it appears the smaller moment should
Figure 3-11 be clockwise. Such is simply not the case.
Contrary, however, to the visual assumption, resilience causes
just the opposite. Although resilience has already been
introduced as one of the factors that sometimes creates difficulty
in recognizing the correct force system, a wire/bracket analysis
will now be done to prove what the total force systems must be
in order to comply with the three requirements for static
equilibrium. Remember again there are no exceptions.
B C EQUILIBRIUM
A Wire/Bracket REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN
FULFILLED
Analysis A
x
D Sum of the vertical forces equals zero.
Sum of the horizontal forces equals zero.
“If you don’t believe it, you Sum of the moments measured around a
common point equals zero.
won’t achieve it.” A
ACTIVATIONAL FORCES + B + C + D = 0
Figure 3-12 Figure 3-13 Figure 3-14
Static Equilibrium and its Importance 3 34
In Figure 3-12, it is true that “If you don’t believe it you won’t
achieve it.” This analysis should eliminate any doubts regarding
the forces and moments present. Only Figures 3-8 and 3-10 will
be analyzed as they represent the extremes in the angles created.
ACTIVATIONAL FORCES A + B + CD + D
A = 0 ACTIVATIONAL FORCE SYSTEM
Although the forces are unequal, when all the forces on the
system are added, the total forces in the vertical plane of space
again equal zero, so the first requirement is fulfilled. Likewise,
the second requirement is again fulfilled because there are no
horizontal forces present. The third requirement is now met as
each force, multiplied by the distance to
the common point X, when added now
equals zero as shown in Figure 3-22.
Therefore, the correct activational force
system in Figure 3-23 has been proven
DE-ACTIVATIONAL FORCE SYSTEM
and now is reversed as shown in Figure
3-24 to show the deactivational force
Figure 3-24 system. The deactivational force system
is of interest to the orthodontist as it represents tooth movement.
Static Equilibrium and its Importance 3 37
Distal Crown Torque Lingual Root Torque Equal & Opposite Moments
SELECTED READINGS
Demangel C. Equilibrium situations in bend force systems. Am J
Orthod Dentofac Orthop 1990;98:333-339.
Cuspid
intrusion
required
Cantilever – (Incisors excluded) Cantilever – (Incisors bracketed) Intruding six teeth - Cantilevered Cuspids
Bends will be discussed later that offer the choice for extremely
effective force systems with larger interbracket distances while
shorter interbracket distances limit the use and effectiveness of
these bends. Such bends can be easily placed intraorally with a
Tweed-Loop pliers and take only seconds. The reward lies in
knowledge – not effort – as well as reduced stress, increased
efficiency, and greater practice enjoyment for the orthodontist.
SUGGESTED READINGS
Mulligan TF. Common sense mechanics. Phoenix: CSM, 1040 East
Osborn Rd, 1982;39-43.
Total Forces
Force and Lingual Root Torque
Systems Moments
(F X D = M)
WIRE/BRACKET RELATIONSHIPS:
X
1/2
CENTER BEND Two Off-Center Bends may be
used to produce the same
force system as a Center Bend.
Figure 5-10
Understanding and Applying Wire/Bracket Angles 5 60
A diastema is shown in
Figure 5-11 with converging
Center
roots on the central incisors.
Bend for
root A center bend provides the
divergency equal and opposite moments
in a required for root divergency
Diastema and future stability following
closure of the space. Crown
movement always proceeds
Figure 5-11 root movement until spaces
are closed. Further movement then becomes root movement.
The next illustration, Figure 5-12, shows that all incisors roots
can be diverged at the same
time with two sectional
wires. A continuous wire is
not able to deliver four pure
Diverging all roots simultaneously moments without creating
vertical forces, but because a
center bend is equivalent to
Two Off-Center Bends =
Center Bend two off-center bends as seen
in Figure 5-9, a wire with a
Figure 5-12 center bend between the two
central incisors and a rectangular by-pass segment with forty-
five degree bends at the lateral incisor brackets, each provide the
necessary moments for all four teeth and create root divergency
without vertical forces being developed. Using this by-pass wire
is one of the very few times a rectangular wire is preferred.
X
1/3
OFF-CENTER BEND X
(CANTILEVER) 1/3
OFF-CENTER BEND
(CANTILEVER)
WIRE-BEND VS.
STRAIGHT WIRE
Figure 5-18
X
OFF- CENTER BEND
Off-Center Bend
Note anterior moment!
(Toe-In Bend)
WHY?
Looking at the left side of Figure 5-25, the second molar has
been rotated with a center bend. However, it requires some
buccal movement, but there is no buccal force present. By
simply removing the tie on the first molar, the center bend is
converted to an off-center bend, which introduces a buccal force
in addition to the molar rotational moment shown. This is
certainly a less time-consuming approach than would be
required if removing the archwire to place a bend. These are
simplified procedures that make orthodontics more fun, less
stressful, and probably lead to greater longevity both in practice
and life as well.
The final clinical example of
the off-center bend is shown
in Figure 5-26. Locating the
bend just mesial to the
bicuspid bracket creates an
anchor side to the extraction
Note Off-Center Bend during
site, as the tooth closest to the
cuspid retraction. (It will become
a Center Bend upon space closure). bend has the largest moment.
Once the space is closed, the
Figure 5-26 moments become equal and
opposite because the bend becomes centered. This change in
the force system takes place without removing the archwire at
anytime from the very beginning of space closure.
X
X
X X
PARALLEL (STEP)
BEND PARALLEL (STEP)
BEND
WIRE-BEND VS.
STRAIGHT WIRE
Figure 5-29 shows two examples of the step bend. In the left
picture the cuspid brackets are present while absent in the
picture to the right. Technically speaking, the first picture is a
genuine step relationship while in the second, bends are applied
in the same manner, but with cuspids not bonded. As a result of
cuspid brackets not being present, a true step relationship does
not exist and the forces produced will be less in magnitude.
However, this is a practical approach as will be seen later in the
discussion on molar control.
The higher force magnitudes in Figure 5-30 and 5-31 result from
a step relationship and are very effective in restoring central
groove relationships between first and second molars and
increasing the posterior transverse dimension for the patient.
Understanding and Applying Wire/Bracket Angles 5 70
The step bend is only used when higher force magnitudes are
desired. Otherwise, the off-center bend is the bend of choice.
Because of the high forces that
can be created with the step
bend, it must be recognized
that it can have distinct
disadvantages in the sagittal
plane of space when there are
vertical dimension problems
Parallel (Step) Bends
present. This is particularly
true with full appliances and in
Figure 5-32 many cases the use of the step
bends as seen in Figure 5-32 has led to the need for posterior
high-pull headgear in order to overcome extrusive movements.
The step bend creates force magnitudes that are up to four times
greater than those produced by a cantilever acting at the same
interbracket distance with the same degree of activation. In
closing this chapter, a further discussion of the step bend and the
cantilever will be presented in order to better understand each.
One
Unit of
Deflection
X 1/8 X 4X 1/2 X
Two Units of
Deflection Force = X Force = X
1/4 X X
Figure 5-38 shows the increasing vertical deflection with the use
of the tip-back bend. Because the vertical deflection doubles
when the wire length is doubled, the load/deflection rate shown
in Figure 5-39 is 1/4th the original. Figure 5-40 reveals that a
half-length cantilever will require four times as much force for
activation than will the same cantilever with twice the length
and only one unit of vertical deflection.
Understanding
Center Bend the Cantilever
Understanding Understanding
the Cantilever the Cantilever
In Figures 5-43 and 5-44, the bracket slot has moved from its
original angular position to its final angular position, which is
now opposite the original. It should now be evident that a wire
Understanding and Applying Wire/Bracket Angles 5 74
Understanding
the Cantilever
X
1/3
CANTILEVER
In order to go from clockwise
to counterclockwise, the
transition must encounter zero.
You just might decide to add years to your practice and life!
Understanding and Applying Wire/Bracket Angles 5 75
SUGGESTED READINGS
Burstone CJ, Koenig HA. Force systems from an ideal arch. Am J
Orthod 1974;65:270-289.