[Frictional forces and movement dynamics in the mesialization of the second molar after the extraction of the...

In this study the frictional forces and dynamics of arch guided molar mesialization were investigated. The influence of two different slot/arch combinations (.018" slot/.016" x .022" arch and .022" slot/.019" x .025" arch) as well as partial fortification of an .016" x .022" wire and the reduction of interbracket distance were studied. In guiding the arch wire, a convertible bracket was tested in tube and in bracket configurations. The tipping movement could be compensated by adding an uprighting spring. The orthodontic measurement and simulation system (OMSS) was employed to determine frictional loss in forces and to analyze side effects. Results showed that frictional forces were almost independent from the wire stiffness, whereas a reduced cross section resulted in distinct side effects. These effects can be countered either by employing a correctly dimensioned uprighting spring or by increasing the wire stiffness. The .019" x .025" wire in a .022" slot proved to be the optimum combination for molar mesialization.