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Photoelastic analysis of forces generated by T-loop springs made with stainless steel or titanium-molybdenum alloy
Luiz Guilherme Martins Maia1, Mila Leite de Moraes Maia, André da Costa Monini
1Faculdade de Odontologia de Araraquara, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
Introduction:
The purpose of this study was to use photoelastic analysis to compare the system of forces generated by retraction T-loop springs made with stainless steel and titanium-molybdenum alloy (TMA) (Ormco, Glendora, Calif) with photoelastic analysis.
Methods:
Three photoelastic models were used to evaluate retraction T-loop springs with the same preactivations in 2 groups. In group 1, the loop was constructed with a stainless steel wire, and 2 helicoids were incorporated on top of the T-loop; in group 2, it was made with TMA and no helicoids.
Results:
Upon using the qualitative analysis of the fringe order in the photoelastic model, it was observed that the magnitude of force generated by the springs in group 1 was significantly higher than that in group 2. However, both had symmetry for the active and reactive units related to the system of force.
Conclusions:
Both springs had the same mechanical characteristics. TMA springs showed lower force levels.
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