Ever wondered which orthodontic mechanics lead to greater anchorage loss: frictionless or sliding? The answer might surprise you.
In this month’s round-up, Dr. Jamal provides a bite-size summary of the latest research, including a clinical trial comparing anchorage loss after en masse retraction using friction versus frictionless mechanics.
Interestingly, the study found that anchorage loss and molar rotation were significantly greater with frictionless mechanics, suggesting that extra anchorage consideration is needed for this approach.
Our Summary
The trial included patients with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion who were treated with the extraction of upper first premolars and en masse retraction with maximum anchorage.
In the friction group, retraction was carried out using an elastomeric power chain on a 17 x 25 stainless steel wire, with anchorage reinforced using miniscrews. The frictionless group utilised a T-loop made of 17 x 25 TMA wire for retraction, with anchorage also reinforced using miniscrews.
Although 15 patients were initially assigned to each group, the data analysis was ultimately performed on 12 patients per group.
Findings
While both groups exhibited some anchorage loss, it was significantly greater in the frictionless group. The frictionless group also demonstrated significantly greater “mesial in” rotation of the molars.
However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the tip, torque, or root resorption of the incisors.
Limitation: The study was conducted in the maxillary arch, thus limiting the generalizability of the findings to the mandibular arch.
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About Dr. Jamal
Dr. Jamal Giri is an orthodontist and associate professor at B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Nepal. He obtained his orthodontic training from the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Nepal in 2014.
Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Adelaide, he explores genetic and environmental factors in malocclusion development. Dr. Giri also holds a postgraduate certificate in clinical education from the University of Edinburgh and a master’s in medical education from the University of Nottingham.
Dr. Jamal teaches on the Diploma in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics at the LDi.
Read More
Attia AM, Shibl LA, Dehis HM, Mostafa YA, El-beialy AR. Evaluation of anchorage loss after en masse retraction in orthodontic patients with maxillary protrusion using friction vs frictionless mechanics: randomized clinical trial. The Angle Orthodontist. 2024 May 24.
https://doi.org/10.2319/113023-791.1
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