A clinical study of maxillary canine retraction with a retraction spring and with sliding mechanics.

The efficiency of maxillary canine retraction by means of sliding mechanics along an 0.018-inch labial arch and an AlastiK chain was compared with that using the canine retraction spring designed by Gjessing. The rate of canine retraction and degree of tipping, and rotation of the canines were studied in 21 subjects by one of these two methods on either side of the dental arch. Measurements were made in the mouth and on photographs of dental casts. The canine was retracted faster and with less distal tipping with the spring than with the sliding mechanics. The canine retraction spring was not superior to the sliding mechanics in controlling canine rotation during the retraction.