Frictionless Mechanics in Orthodontics

One of the major reasons for individual seeking orthodontic treatment is to improve their facial appearance. Literature search has revealed that for the correction of esthetics, extraction of teeth, especially first premolar is frequently carried out in about 43% of cases. Following extractions, space closure forms a major fraction of orthodontic treatment. This extraction space closure can be carried out by retraction of anteriors or protraction of posteriors or a combination of both depending upon the type of malocclusion and anchorage requirements.The closure of extraction spaces in preadjusted edgewise appliance therapy can be carried out by either sliding mechanics or loop mechanics. Sliding mechanics involves pushing or pulling a tooth along a continuous arch wire using a force delivery system adequate to produce a sustained movement. This works by either moving the bracket along an arch wire or sliding the archwire though brackets and tubes.