Controlled canine retraction using orthodontic mini-implants coupled with bondable powerarms.

Abstract

Many patients present with a substantial amount of anterior dental crowding, necessitating canine retraction prior to incisor alignment. Conventional biomechanics typically requires anchorage reinforcement and risks distal tipping of the canine crown and a delay before incisor alignment. However, it is now possible to produce controlled canine retraction without anchorage loss, even with narrow, flexible archwires in situ. This enables simultaneous alignment of displaced incisors. This technique involves a combination of orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs) and a powerarm bonded directly on either the labial or palatal surface of the target tooth, as described in this paper.