Comparison of the Amount of Maxillary Canine Retraction, with T-Loops, using TMA and Stainless Steel Wires: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficiency between stainless steel and titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA), in terms of canine retraction, canine angulation and canine rotation using identical T-loop design and activation over a 4-month period. Materials and methods: Fifteen subjects were selected for the study. Standardized T-loops in 0.017 × 0.025 inch TMA and 0.016 × 0.022 inch stainless steel wires for left and right maxillary canines were activated to generate 200 gm of force every month for a period of 4 months. Results: Greater amount of maxillary canine retraction occurred using the 0.017 × 0.025 TMA T-loop (5.46 mm) as compared to the 0.016 × 0.022 stainless steel T-loop (4.20 mm). The 0.017 × 0.025 TMA T-loop showed 7.83° tipping, whereas the 0.016 × 0.022 stainless steel T-loop showed 10° tipping, indicating that the TMA T-loop had better control. The 0.016 × 0.022 stainless steel T-loop (39.44%) offered better rotational control over the 0.017 × 0.025 TMA T-loop (50.82%). Conclusion: The 0.017 × 0.025 TMA T-loops offer more canine retraction and tipping control whereas 0.016 × 0.022 stainless steel T-loops offer better rotational control.