Space requirement and force are important factors in incisor position

Abstract

I read with great interest the article on changes in maxillary incisor inclination and position in patients with impacted canines by Chávez-Alvarez et al (Chávez-Alvarez C, Arriola-Guillén LE, Rodríguez-Cárdenas YA, Ruíz-Mora GA, Fiori-Chincaro G, Dias-Da Silveira HL, et al. Changes in maxillary incisor inclination and position after traction of unilateral vs bilateral maxillary impacted canines in nonextraction treatment: A cone-beam computed tomography study. 2019;156:767-78) in the December 2019 issue. The authors discussed in detail the influence of canine traction on the position and inclination of incisors. Although they took the space present and the space required for the canine as assessment parameters, they did not give due consideration to a strong influencing parameter. Whether it is unilateral or bilateral impaction, the amount of distance the incisors will be pushed forward directly depends on the magnitude and duration of force exerted by the nickel-titanium coil spring, which, in turn, depends on the amount of space required. So, a conclusion based on the laterality without due consideration to the force component involved remains questionable. Changes in maxillary incisor inclination and position after traction of unilateral vs bilateral maxillary impacted canines in nonextraction treatment: A cone-beam computed tomography studyAmerican Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial OrthopedicsVol. 156Issue 6PreviewThe aim of this study was to compare the inclination and position changes of maxillary incisors after traction of unilateral vs bilateral maxillary impacted canines in nonextraction orthodontic treatment. Full-Text PDF Authors' responseAmerican Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial OrthopedicsVol. 157Issue 6PreviewWe greatly appreciate the clinical interest in our recently published article. We believe that an evidence-based orthodontic practice should be our goal and we appreciate the opportunity to clarify some points of our work. We want to point out some aspects regarding Dr Gopalakrishnan's concern on the possibility that the outcome variables evaluated in the study (changes in position and inclination of the maxillary incisors) may be influenced by the magnitude and duration of force exerted by the nickel-titanium open-coil springs. Full-Text PDF