ACTIVE COMPONENTS

These constitute the components of the removable appliance, which apply forces to the
teeth to bring about the desired tooth movement. The active components include:
a. Springs—made up of 0.5, 0.6 or 0.7 mm diameter stainless steel wire.
b. Bows—made from 0.5 or 0.7 mm diameter stainless steel wire.
c. Screws
d. Elastics
The three basic components of removable appliances are as follows.

SPRINGS
A wide variety of springs are available for incorpo rating in the removable appliance. Springs
can be broadly classified into:
Based on the presence of helices
• Simple spring (Fig. 38.1A)—no helix present Compound spring (Fig. 38.1B)—helix
incorporated
• Helical springs (Fig. 38.1B)—helix is present Looped spring (Fig. 38.1C)—no helix, but a
loop is included in the design

Based on the mode of support provided to maintain the integrity of the spring
• Self-supported springs—these springs are made up of thicker wire to avoid distortion by
the patient.
• Supported springs—these springs are made up of thinner wire and therefore to protect
these delicate springs, a guidewire may be provided. Alternately they may be supported by
an additional sleeve or ‘boxed’ by acrylic to ensure adequate stability.

Designing a Spring
he 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 :
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.
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.

TYPES OF SPRINGS
Finger Spring
The most useful spring for removable appliance is the single, cantilever/finger spring (Fig.
38.2A). It is con structed using 0.5 or 0.6 mm hard round SS wire. It is made up of a coil or
helix near the point of attachment and a free end, which moves, in a well-defined arc.
The free end is the active arm, 12-15 mm in length and is placed towards the tissue, the
helix is about 3 mm in internal diameter and the retentive arm (minimum of 4-5 mm in
length) is placed away from the tissue and ends in a retentive tag.
Construction The spring is constructed such that the helix is positioned opposite to the
direction of intended tooth movement. The helix should also be placed along the long axis of
the tooth to be moved and perpendi cular to the direction of tooth movement (Fig. 38.2B).
Finger springs must be guarded and guided with care to ensure that they work smoothly.
Since they are constructed from a thin gauge wire, the spring should be either boxed in wax
or guards should be made. Care should be taken to ensure that the cavity formed by
‘boxing’ does not become a food trap, thus, leading to inflammation of gum tissue.
Indication The finger spring is used for mesiodistal movement of teeth, e.g. closure of
anterior diastemas (Fig. 38.2C). However, it should only be used on teeth, which are in line
of the arch or centered bucco lingually.
Activation The finger spring is activated by opening the coil (Fig. 38.2D) or moving the active
area towards the tooth to be moved (Fig. 38.2E). About 3 mm of activation is considered
optimum.
Double Cantilever/Z-Spring
A useful variation of the cantilever spring is the double cantilever/Z-spring (Fig. 38.3A)
where a second limb is formed with a second coil. Such a spring can also be used to move 2
or more teeth in the same direction over equal distances as when proclining 2 or more upper
incisors.

Construction It is made up of 0.5 mm hard round SS wire. It consists of 2 helices of small

internal diameter and can be made for one, two or more incisors. The spring is positioned
perpendicular to the palatal surface of the tooth with a long retentive arm (placed away
from tissue) about 12 mm in length. The Z-spring is a supported spring (Fig. 38.3B) and
needs to be boxed in wax prior to acrylization (Fig. 38.3C). Z-spring is activated by opening
both the helices up to 2-3 mm at a time. Only one helix may be activated to correct mild
rotations. It is ideal for the correction of anterior tooth crossbites where the overlap is less
than the free way space (Fig. 38.3C).

T-Spring
It is made up of 0.5 mm hard round SS wire and is used for buccal movement of premolars
and sometimes canines. As the name suggests, the spring has a T-shaped arm, the ends of
which is embedded in the baseplate (Fig. 38.4). Loops incorporated in the arms of the T-
loops can be opened up to remain in contact with the tooth as it moves buccally. Activation
is done by pulling the free end of the ‘T’ towards the intended direction of tooth movement.
Mattress Spring
Mattress spring is used for the correction of the labial movement of teeth in crossbite. It is
usually used in cases where sufficient space exists for the correction of the crossbite and if
the tooth in question is sufficiently complete in its development (Fig. 38.5).

Construction Usually made of 0.6 mm diameter wire. It is shaped like a mattress with ‘U’
loops extending till the retentive arm. It engages the tooth close to the gingival margin.
Helical Coils Spring
It is a free-ended spring with two helices placed on different arms (Fig. 38.6). It is supported
by an envelop of acrylic. Is ideally used to regain lost extraction space.

Construction It is generally made of 0.6 mm wire with the connecting arm between the
springs acting as part of the retentive arm. Opening the helices activates the springs. The
two sides can be activated by different amounts depending upon the amount of movement
required.
Coffin Spring
This is an omega-shaped spring which helps to bring about arch expansion (Fig. 38.7A).
Walter Coffin introduced it in the year 1881. It is indicated in patients with a narrow
maxillary arch as it brings about slow dentoalveolar arch expansion.
Construction It is made up of 1.25 mm hard round SS wire. It has an omega/U-shaped loop in
the center which stands 1.0 mm away from the palate with retentive arms embedded in the
acrylic base plate.
Holding both the ends in the region of the clasps and pulling the sides gently apart activates
this spring (Fig. 38.7B). It can also be activated by flattering the omega loop at its curvature
(Fig. 38.7C). It should be activated up to 2 mm (1 mm/side) at a time.

CANINE RETRACTORS
 These are springs that bring about distal movement of canines. Canine retractors can be
classified as:
Based on their Location
i. Buccal (Fig. 38.8A)—placed buccally
ii. Palatal (Fig. 38.8B)—placed palatally.

Based on Design
i. Helical canine retractor (Fig. 38.8B)—helix incorporated in the design
ii. Looped canine retractor (Fig. 38.8A)—loop incorporated in the design.

Based on Mode of Action

i. Push type
ii. Pull type
Maxillary canine retraction is usually done by palatally placed canine retractors, but
sometimes they can be done using buccally placed, self-supporting springs of 0.7 mm wire.
1. Palatal canine retractor It is made up of 0.6 mm diameter SS wire (Fig. 38.8B). It
consists of an active arm placed mesial to the canine, a helix of 3 mm diameter and a
 guide arm. The coil is placed along the long axis of canine (Fig. 38.8C). It is important
for these springs to have the point of attachment sufficiently far forwards to ensure
that the spring acts along the line of the dental arch. A palatal canine retractor is
indicated for retraction of palatally positioned canines. Opening the helix 2 mm at a
time activates it.
2. Buccal self-supported canine retractor As the name suggests, this canine retractor is
made from a thicker gauge wire (0.7 mm), which helps resist deformation of the
spring. It is indicated for retraction of buccally placed canines and is particularly
useful when the canine overlaps the lateral incisor and is not accessible from the
lingual side of the arch. It is made up of an active arm, a helix of 3 mm diameter and
a retentive arm (Fig. 38.8D). The active arm is placed away from the tissues and the
helix is positioned distal to the long axis of the canine.
3. “U” loop canine retractor When minimal canine retraction (1-2 mm) is required, a
relatively simple and less bulky retractor can be used, such as a U loop retractor.
However, it is mechanically less effective than the other retractors. It is made up of
0.6 or 0.7 mm SS wire and consists of an active arm, U-loop and a retentive arm. The
base of the U-loop is placed 2-3 mm below the cervical margin, the active arm is bent
at right angles from the mesial leg of the loop and adapted around the canine (Fig.
38.8A). The distal leg of the loop extends as the retentive arm. This retractor is
activated by compressing the loop or by cutting the free end of the active arm by 2
mm and readapting it.
4. Helical canine retractor It is made up of 0.6 mm round SS wire and consists of an
active arm (towards the tissue), a helix of 3 mm diameter and a retentive arm. It is
designed as a loop with the helix at its base; the distal arm is bent at right angles to
form the active arm, which engages the canine (Fig. 38.8E). The mesial arm is
adapted between the premolars and ends in a retentive tag. The helix is placed 3-4
mm below the gingival margin.

Activation is done by opening the helix by 2 mm or by cutting off 2 mm from the end
of the active arm and readapting it around the canine.
For the canine retractors, whether buccal or palatal, to be successful, it is important
for the canine to be mesially angulated prior to treatment (Fig. 38.8F). If the canine is
normal or distally angulated prior to treatment, a removable canine retractor will
cause an unsightly distal angulation of the canine at the completion of retraction,
which in turn will take a long time to correct with fixed appliances. For this reason,
use of removable appliances for canine retraction is declining as fixed appliances
have greater control over tooth movement.
LABIAL BOWS
These are components that are used for both overjet reduction and for providing
anterior fixation. A wide variety of labial bows are available for use in orthodontics.
They are as follows.
Short Labial
Bow The short labia bows are made from 0.7 mm round SS wire. The labial bow is
constructed in such a way that the bow contacts the most prominent labial surfaces
of the anterior teeth and ends in two U-shaped loops that extend as retentive arm
between the canine and premolar before getting embedded in the acrylic base plate
(Fig. 38.9A).

They are used for retention purposes, as a component of the Hawley’s retainer (Fig.
38.9B) and can also bring about minor overjet reduction and anterior space closure.
Their range of action is limited because of stiffness and low flexibility. For space
closure, the bow is activated by compressing the loops of the bow by 1-2 mm.
Long Labial Bow
It is a modification of the short labial bow design, in that it extends from the first
premolar of one side to that of the contralateral side (Fig. 38.9C). The distal arm of
the U-loop extends between the two premolars and ends as the retentive arm.

It can be used as an active and retentive component of the removable appliance. It is

indicated in minor overjet reduction, small amounts of anterior space closure, closure
of space distal to canine and also for guidance of canine during canine retraction. It is
also activated by compressing the loop 1-2 mm so that the bow is displaced palatally
by 1 mm.
Modification Labial bow soldered to Adams’ clasp (Fig. 38.9D). In extraction cases
following orthodontic treatment, closed spaces can be retained with a Hawley’s
retainer in which a long labial bow is solde red to the bridge of the Adams’ clasp (Fig.
38.9D). A short labial bow is not feasible in such cases as the distal arm can cause
opening of the extraction space between canine and premolar.
Split Labial Bow
This is a modification of the conventional short labial bow in that it is split in the
middle (Fig. 38.9E). This is done to increase the flexibility of the otherwise stiff short
labial bow.
The bow is made up of 0.7 mm round SS wire and has 2 separate short buccal arms,
each with a U-loop ending distal to canine. This labial bow is effective in anterior
retraction. It has also found use in closure of midline diastema, for which it has been
modified such that the 2 buccal arms extend across the opposite central incisor and
engage onto its distal surface (Figs 38.9F and 38.9G). Activation is done by
compressing the ‘U’ loop by 1-2 mm.
Robert’s Retractor
This labial bow is made of 0.5 mm round SS wire, which is of a much thinner gauge
than the conventional labial bows. It extends over the labial surfaces from canine to
canine and instead of a regular loop it incorporates a 3 mm internal diameter helix at
the base of the loop (Fig. 38.9H). The combination of a thin gauge wire and a helix
makes this labial bow highly flexible and susceptible to distortion as it lacks stability
in the vertical plane. To overcome this, the distal arms of the loops are supported in
softened stainless steel tubes of 0.5 mm internal diameter (Fig. 38.9I).
Along with Adams’ clasp on the buccal teeth for retention, this retractor can be used
in patients with severe anterior proclination as it produces lighter forces over a
longer span of activation. It can also be used in adult patients for the same reason.
Reverse Labial Bow
This type of labial bow is so called because, activation of the bow is done by opening
the U-loop, instead of compressing as is seen in the conventional labial bows. The
loop is placed distal to the canine and the distal arm is bent at right angles to extend
anteriorly as the labial part of the bow (Fig. 38.9J). The free end of mesial arm is
adapted between the canine and first premolar and eventually gets embedded in the
acrylic base plate.
Activation is done by opening the loop which results in lowering of the labial bow in
the incisor region. To maintain the proper level of the bow, a com pensatory bend is
then given at the base of the U-loop.
Mill’s Retractor
This is a complexly designed labial bow made of 0.7 mm SS wire which has extensive
looping in its design to increase the flexibility and range of action of the retractor
(Fig. 38.9K). The anterior part of the bow extends till mesial of the canine and then
forms a complex loop gingivally before ending in a retentive arm distal to the canine.
This type of a labial bow is indicated in patients with increased overjet. However, due
to difficulty in construction and poor patient compliance, it is not widely used.
High Labial Bow with Apron Springs
As the name suggests, this type of labial bow extends high into the labial vestibule. It
is made up of a thicker gauge SS wire (0.9-1 mm). The labial bow acts as a support
onto which apron springs (made from 0.4 mm wire) are attached/ wound (Fig. 38.9L).
Apron springs help in retraction of one or more upper anteriors (Fig. 38.9M). This type
of bow is made highly flexible because of the springs and is therefore used for
retraction in cases with large overjet.
Apron spring is activated by bending it towards the teeth, up to 3 mm at a time.
Since it generates light forces, it is also useful in adult patients. However, it is difficult
to construct and can cause soft tissue injury. It may also lack patient compliance as
too much wire is visible.
Fitted Labial Bow
This type of labial bow is so called, as it is adapted to the contours of the labial
surface of anteriors (Fig. 38.9N). It is mainly for retention after completion of fixed
orthodontic treatment. The U-loop is smaller compared to the conventional labial
bows.

SCREWS
Screws are active components that are used to provide intermittent forces in
removable appliances. Screws can be used to bring about various kinds of tooth
movement.
 A screw consists of a rod with left and right hand threads at both ends and a nut in
the center, which is turned for activation (Fig. 38.10A). The threads turn in metal
blocks that are embedded in the baseplate, which is split at right angles to the screw.
The appliance is retained with Adams’ clasps on posterior teeth. When the screw is
turned, the two parts of the base plate separate and put pressure on the teeth. This
causes the teeth to get slightly displaced and over time teeth move to new positions
by remodeling of the over lying bone. Therefore, a wide variety of tooth move ments
are possible based on the location of the screw, number of screws and location of the
split in the plate.
Advantage of Screw Over Springs
1. Appliances with screws are easier to manage than those with springs. Therefore,
they are useful in the less skillful patient.
2. Screws are activated by the patient at regular intervals using a key, therefore,
they are more valuable in patients who cannot visit the dentist frequently.
3. Appliance with a screw has fewer tendencies to get dislodged than those with
springs. Therefore, they offer more stability for moving several adjacent teeth in the
same direction.
4. Forces generated can be controlled, based on the amount of activation done.
The patient or parent using a key activates the screw. Activations may be done either
once or twice a week or more frequently, depending on the type and amount of tooth
movement required. Ideal tooth movement is achieved by turning the screw a
quarter turn every 3-7 days. Most screws produce 0.2-0.25 mm movement per
quarter turn. The movement produced is a direct function of the thread height (Fig.
38.10B). More the thread height , more the opening and higher the forces generated.
The amount of force applied to each tooth by a screw appliance also depends on the
number of teeth being moved, each tooth receiving a part of the total force. Screws
should not budge too much out of the acrylic (Fig. 38.10C). Based on the location of
the screw and the acrylic split, three types of tooth movements can be brought about
by screw appliances:
a. Arch expansion (Fig. 38.10D)—screw placed in the center of the arch.
b. Labial/buccal movement of one or a group of teeth (Fig. 38.10E).
c. Mesial/distal movement of one or more teeth (Fig. 38.10F).
ELASTICS
Elastic bands have for many years been used as a convenient means for applying
pressure in orthodontic appliances. Elastics are routinely used in conjunction with
fixed appliances but can provide the force component in removable appliances in
suitable circumstances. Elastics can be used along with removable appliances for
retraction of anterior teeth (Fig. 38.11). For this purpose, elastics are attached to
hook made in the labial bow distal to the canine. Elastics are stretched across the
incisors, between the canines. However, drawbacks of such appliances are:
1. Flattening of the arch form due to lack of control
2. Gingival stripping due to slippage of the elastics

Advantage Better esthetics, as they are less visible.