Force measurement and design of a torquing high-pull headgear

The dynamic extraoral force analyzer (DEFA) was found to be capable of measuring linear deflection as a function of force created by a headgear. Ten standard nontorqued face-bows with a cervical and a high-pull direction were tested to determine the reliability of the DEFA. Statistical analysis showed the DEFA to be reliable and accurate in differentiating various directions and deflections of maxillary molars. Doubled-over distal ends of the inner bow with 0 degree of torque and a parietal direction of pull were used as controls. The same face-bows with 9 degrees of buccal root torque were tested on the DEFA. These face-bows were tested to determine whether transverse translation without buccal crown tipping of the maxillary first molar will occur. Statistical analysis showed that transverse translation occurred at a force of 200 to 347 gm.