Anchorage control in bioprogressive vs straight-wire treatment.

Orthodontic techniques with different concepts and philosophies have emerged to provide adequate anchorage control. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the Bioprogressive and Straight-wire techniques in the control of lower anchorage. Data were obtained from the records of 40 patients presenting Class I and II malocclusions treated with first bicuspid extractions. One group of 20 patients was treated with a utility arch used to set up cortical anchorage in the lower arch and sectional retraction mechanics for space closure. The second group was treated with straight wire with a preadjusted appliance system. Treatment evaluation revealed no significant between-group differences in the amount of skeletal growth relative to cranial base and lower mesial movement of first molars. Mean lower anchorage loss was 3.1 mm in the Bioprogressive patients and four mm in the Straight-wire patients. The apical base change was the most important component to molar correction. Although cortical anchorage did not impede lower molar movement, it was no less effective in controlling molar movement with a partial appliance than was the fully banded Straight-wire appliance.