Article
In frictionless mechanics, the first step at the time of retraction of the anterior segment of teeth is to remove the previous wire from the patient's mouth and replace it with a new wire with a loop on it which is activated progressively to close the space.
There are two methods for the fabrication of loops on the wires – either by taking a measurement on the new wire from the patient's cast or by taking a measurement from the patient's oral cavity directly.
When the measurement for making a loop is taken from the cast, it requires the making of an impression and fabrication of a cast which is a time consuming process. Alternatively, when the measurement for the loop is taken directly by keeping the new wire inside the patient's mouth, it requires chairside time, is cumbersome and may cause trauma. With both methods, the accuracy of making a loop is satisfactory. A new method is presented here which is not only more accurate and time saving, but also simpler.
Method
Rather than taking measurements directly on the new wire inside the patient's mouth or on the patient's cast, it is suggested that, before removing the previous wire from the patient's oral cavity, markings should be made for the future location of the loop on that wire itself, along with a midline marking which will serve as a reference point (Figure 1). These markings are then transferred onto the new wire outside the patient's oral cavity (Figure 2) and, with the help of these markings, the loops are fabricated on the desired location with ease without hurting the patient (Figure 3). This method provides more accuracy as the markings are made on the previous wire when it is in its exact location in the bracket slots (Figure 4). Accuracy for the placement of loops is desirable as inaccurate location of the loops can prevent the complete closure of the spaces.
Similarly, this method can also be used for the easy placement of crimpable hooks on the wires in sliding mechanics or friction mechanics.