Dr. Rebin Ali Lec.1 24.11.

2017

APPLIANCE DESIGN

Components of Removable Appliances

The removable orthodontic appliances are made up of three components:
1. Force or active components---comprises of springs, screws or elastics.
2. Fixation or retentive components---usually include clasps.
3. Base plate or framework---can be made of cold cure or heat cure acrylic.

Designing a spring
The most suitable material for orthodontic springs is 18/8 stainless steel (ss) wire
as it combines elasticity and malleability in excellent proportions, is tasteless and
immune to corrosion by oral secretions.

In scientific terms, there is a relationship between the length, diameter and amount
of deflection of a spring which is expressed as:

Where, D = amount of deflection

F = amount of pressure (force)
L = length of spring
T = thickness /diameter of spring.

The effect of each of these variables is explained as follows (Figure 1.1):

Dr. Rebin Ali Lec.1 24.11.2017

Thickness/diameter of spring (T)

According to the formula, if the diameter is doubled, the deflection (flexibility) of a
spring decreases by 16 times, i.e. a spring made from thinner wire generates less
force and has greatly increased flexibility, thus, remaining active over a longer
time period.

Length of wire (L)

Doubling the length of the wire increases the flexibility of the spring by eight
times and also reduces the force exerted. Increasing the length of wire, however,
increases the range of action of the spring and therefore it is better to incorporate
helices or loops into a spring, which effectively increases its length within the
limits of the appliance. A double helix provides further increase in flexibility by
incorporating more wire in a given length of spring.

Pressure/force (P)
Deflection of a spring is double when the pressure is doubled. The pressure to be
applied is on an average 20 gm/ cm2 of root area and can vary according to the
number of teeth to be moved, root surface area and patient comfort.

With smaller deflection, the force applied will drop off rapidly; thus, reactivation
occurs frequently.
Dr. Rebin Ali Lec.1 24.11.2017
Other requirements to be kept in mind while designing a spring are:

a. Ensure that the spring will act over the distance and the direction needed to
move the teeth, e.g. to move a teeth labially a spring should be palatally positioned
and vice versa.

b. The spring should be mechanically strong to withstand interferences that

occur due to eating, speaking and cleaning.

Figures 1.1A to D: A cantilever spring is fixed at one end and free to move at the other which
deflects under pressure and delivers a gradually diminishing pressure in returning to its original
form A. The degree of pressure is proportional to the amount of deflection produced; B. If the
length of the spring is doubled, the degree of deflection becomes eight times as great for the
same amount of pressure; C. If the thickness of the spring is reduced to one-half, the amount of
Dr. Rebin Ali Lec.1 24.11.2017

deflection becomes 16 times as great for the same amount of pressure; D. Deflection, pressure
length and thickness are related by the formula at the right of the illustration

Cantilever spring components:

1. Arm

2. Coil

3. Tag

1. Arm (Figs 1.2A to C): It is the working end of spring, touches the surface of
tooth from mesial or distal, labial or palatal side.

Active arm of spring should remain in contact with tooth throughout its movement,
so that continuous pressure is applied. It is situated in the gingival third of the tooth
to ensure bodily movement. Active arm should be long enough to be capable of
activation for entire distance through which the tooth has to move.

2. Coil (Fig. 1.3):

Introduction of a coil into a cantilever spring increases the effective length of the
spring and makes it more flexible i.e. for the same activation a lower force is
applied to the tooth to be moved. This increase in flexibility depends on the
diameter of the coil, the number of turns, and its position relative to the fixed end.

The larger the coil, the more flexible is the spring. Due to inclusion of coil there
lies an increase in range of action without increasing dimensions.
Dr. Rebin Ali Lec.1 24.11.2017

Increase in the effective length of spring reduces the stiffness. Internal diameter
should be about four times the diameter of wire. Spring should be activated in the
direction in which the coil opens. Flexibility of wire increases when the position of
coil is close to the anchorage point i.e. at the point of attachment of spring to base
plate. More the number of turns in the coil, more flexible the spring.

Position of coil:

A. A line is drawn joining the present position and desired position of the tooth. A
perpendicular bisector is drawn to this line. Coil is placed along this line.

B. The coil of spring should be centered on the line through midpoint of tooth and
perpendicular to its intended path.

3. Tag arm: Length of tag should be 6-9 mm long.

The end of the tag is bent to remain in base plate for stability. Distal tag arm end is
bent to the mesial of tooth surface and it should be slightly shorter than mesial one,
it is more convenient for base plate shape and extension on palatal surface.
Dr. Rebin Ali Lec.1 24.11.2017
Fig. 1.2: (A) Parts of a finger spring (a) arm (b) coil (c) tag, (B) Spring with kinked arm to avoid
contact with adjacent teeth (C) Geometric construction to show determination of position of coil
b. Arm then maintains contact with tooth throughout its movement

Ideal requisites of a spring

• Less likely to be distorted by the patient

• Easier to adjust

• Less likely to produce unintended tooth movements

• Easy to clean

• It should remain active over a long period of time

• Simple to design