Tear Drop Loop Case Summary

Abstract

Aim: This case report intends to highlight the space closure with tear drop loop mechanics for bimaxillary protrusion

Background: Loop mechanics is made of closing loops fabricated in either a full or sectional arch wire for extraction space closure. The major advantage of loop mechanics is the lack of frictional forces between the bracket and arch wire during space closure.

Case description: An adult patient with bimaxillary protrusion reported to the clinic. The patient was treated successfully by maximum retraction of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth after extraction of all first premolars. Space closure was begun using a moment differential between the anterior and posterior segments created by a Tear drop loop. Anterior teeth were

Since the distribution of the wire with respect to the bracket determines the moment-to-force ratio, and tooth movement is produced by the deactivation of the loop itself, friction is not an issue.5 There is a greater constancy of force in the Tear drop loop.

Although TAD’s have been widely used for anchorage reinforcement, there are unpredictable factors such as anatomical limitations and the possibility of failure.6,7 However, precise control of tooth movement is possible in a predictable manner with the Tear drop loop. The Tear drop loop with a symmetric shape could be used to achieve a moment differential. Maintenance of the moment differential as the extraction spaces close, improves anchorage control and force system predictability.8, 9,10

CONCLUSION

A patient with protrusion of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth was treated successfully by maximum retraction using a Tear drop loop. The treatment results were