Evaluation and Comparison of Force Degradation Levels Between Elastomeric Chains and Active Tiebacks With Elastic Modules During Individual Canine Retraction.

Introduction: Canine retraction is critical in orthodontic treatment, requiring precise force application. Elastomeric chains and active tiebacks are commonly used materials, but their efficacy in maintaining the force over time needs further evaluation. The study aimed to compare the rate of force degradation of elastomeric chains vs. active tiebacks during canine retraction over a duration of six weeks in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy.

Methods: This study involved 20 patients, aged between 16 and 25 years. All the subjects were treated with the 0.018" McLaughlin-Bennett-Trevisi (MBT) prescription. Following the initial leveling and alignment, the canines were retracted on 0.016 x 0.022" stainless steel wire, using an elastomeric chain (ORMCO) on one side and an active tieback (ORMCO) on the contralateral side, each exerting a force of 150 g. Force values were measured using a tension gauge (TECLOCK; DT- 300) at intervals of 48 hours, two weeks, four weeks, and six weeks by a single observer and documented accordingly.

Results: The elastomeric chain and active tieback sides demonstrated substantial force degradation over six weeks, with a marked reduction of force at given intervals. However, no statistically significant difference in force degradation rates was observed between the two methods (p > 0.05), indicating similar force degradation patterns.

Conclusion: The elastomeric chain and active tieback methods demonstrated substantial force degradation over six weeks, with no statistically significant difference between the two. Thus, both materials can be effectively utilized for canine retraction in orthodontic treatment as they exhibit similar patterns of force degradation.