See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/5373388

The snail loop for low-friction space closure

Article  in  Journal of clinical orthodontics: JCO · May 2008

Source: PubMed

CITATION READS

1 335

3 authors, including:

Pavankumar Vibhute Pushpa Hazarey

YOGITA DENTAL COLLEGE and HOSPITAL. KHED. RATNAGIRI. Swargiya Dadasaheb Kalmegh Smruti Dental College and Hospital
23 PUBLICATIONS   59 CITATIONS    34 PUBLICATIONS   81 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Bond strength View project

Retraction IN ORTHODONTICS View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Pavankumar Vibhute on 04 August 2017.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 ©2008 JCO, Inc. May not be distributed without permission. www.jco-online.com
TECHNIQUE CLINIC
The Snail Loop for Low-Friction Space Closure
T he closing loop is one of the
most popular low-friction
alternatives to sliding mechanics
for space closure.1 Several loop
designs using various wire alloys
have been introduced, including
the conventional omega loop, the
T-loop, and the opus loop.2-5
Loop design, positioning, and
preactivation are the most important
factors in determining the effec-
tiveness of closing loops.5 An ideal
loop would have a high activation
potential and a low load-deflection
rate, and would be easy to fabricate
and comfortable for the patient.5
This article describes a spiral-
shaped loop called a “snail loop”,
designed for en masse space closure
of the anterior teeth (A).
Loop Design
The snail loop is fashioned
from .017" × .025" stainless steel
wire by bending a simple omega
loop into a spiral shape, which
provides the forces and moments.
The snail loop has the potential for
twice as much activation as a
stainless steel omega loop before
undergoing permanent deforma-
tion.
The outer portion of the snail
loop is 8mm high and 6mm wide,
and the inner portion is 6mm high
and 3mm wide (B). Preactivation
alpha and beta bends (C) incor-
porated into the wire (α = 25°,
β = 35°; total = 60°) are greater
than those used for the conven-
VOLUME XLII NUMBER 4
tional omega loop. The anterior
and posterior moments produced
by these preactivation bends will
counteract the tipping moments
created by the retraction force of
the appliance, and are reinforced
by the activation moment pro-
duced by the loop’s spiral design
(D).
If an extrusive or intrusive A
force against the anterior and pos-
terior segments is not desired, the 6mm
3mm
loop must be centered between
them. Miniscrews may be used
with the snail loop for additional
8mm
anchorage.
6mm
Advantages
The snail loop provides B
results similar to those of other
loops used for space closure, with
the following advantages:
• Potential for greater, more
efficient vertical movement of
the anterior segment, due to the
flexibility in the vertical plane
provided by the spiral design.
• Lower load-deflection rate
from using a longer wire.
• More control of the moment- C
to-force ratio, allowing bodily
movement, controlled tipping, or
uncontrolled tipping as desired.
• Reduced number of activa-
tions and patient visits.
• Easier fabrication and place-
ment.
• Improved hygiene and patient
comfort, with less cheek im- D
pingement.
© 2008 JCO, Inc. 233
 The Snail Loop for Low-Friction Space Closure
Like other frictionless appli-
ances, the snail loop eliminates the
need for emergency appointments
due to poking wires, which are
common with the use of sliding
mechanics.
234
View publication stats
REFERENCES
1. Tselepis, M.; Brockhurst, P.; and West,
V.C.: The dynamic frictional resistance
between orthodontic brackets and arch
wires, Am. J. Orthod. 106:131-138, 1994.
2. Siatkowski, R.E.: Continuous arch wire
closing loop design, optimization, and
verification, Part I, Am. J. Orthod. 112: PAVANKUMAR J. VIBHUTE,
393-402, 1997.
3. Siatkowski, R.E.: Continuous arch wire
BDS, MDS
closing loop design, optimization, and Lecturer
verification, Part II, Am. J. Orthod. 112: drpavanvibhute@gmail.com
487-495, 1997.
4. Burstone, C.J.: The segmented arch
approach to space closure, Am. J. Orthod.
82:361-378, 1982.
5. Nanda, R.: Biomechanics and Esthetic
Strategies in Clinical Orthodontics,
Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis, 2005, pp.
201-203.
SUNITA SRIVASTAVA,
BDS, MDS
Professor
P.V. HAZAREY, BDS, MDS
Professor and Head
Department of Orthodontics
Sharad Pawar Dental College
Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha 442004
Maharashtra, India
JCO/APRIL 2008