Effectiveness of Elastic Chains Versus Elastics in Maxillary Canine Retraction

This split-mouth Randomized clinical trial was conducted on 33 patients who needed maxillary canine retraction. Participants were randomly selected one side to receive an elastic chain and the other for elastics, as a method for canine retraction. The intervention period lasted for 15 weeks, and the elastics were replaced by the patient every three days, while elastic chains were exchanged by the principal investigator at 5-week appointments. The type of movement that occurred with each method was evaluated to measure the rate of tooth movement, tipping, and rotation resulting. The study was conducted under the supervision and approval of the Research Ethics Committee at Sana'a University, Faculty of Dentistry. All procedures were performed according to the approved protocol, ensuring participant safety and data accuracy.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients' treatment required 1st premolar extractions in the maxillary arch and space closure involving canine retraction.
• Teeth in the buccal segments were without any gross anatomic root anomalies as determined by panoramic radiographs.
• There is no gross evidence of asymmetric bone loss in the buccal segments of a given arch as determined by panoramic radiographs.
• Crown/root ratios of contralateral canines and premolars are within 3 mm of one another as determined by panoramic radiographs.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with gross anatomical anomalies in upper maxillary canines
• Patients with growth and development problems.
• Evidence of bone loss.
• Presence of Impacted Canine.
• History of long-term use of NSAIDs and corticosteroids or drugs affect bone metabolism. Patients who reported any medication interfering with bone metabolism or patients with severe skeletal discrepancies indicated for orthognathic treatment.
• Patients with latex materials allergy.