Creative wire bending--the force system from step and V bends.

The force system produced by wires with steps and V bends was studied analytically by means of a small deflection mathematic analysis. Characteristic force relationships were found in both the step and the V bend. Step bands centrally placed between adjacent brackets produce unidirectional couples that are equal in magnitude. Along with these couples, vertical or horizontal forces are produced depending upon the plane of activation. Mesiodistal placement of step bends is not critical because very little alteration in force system occurs if a step is centered or positioned off center. V bends, on the other hand, are very sensitive to the positioning mesiodistally of the apex of the V. If the apex of the V bend is placed on center, equal and opposite couples are produced. As the V-bend apex is moved off center, predictable combinations of moments and forces are created. A method for determination of the relative force system is described that allows for simple interpretation and prediction of the force system from a V bend. The clinical applications of these data and a rational basis for wire bending are presented based on the producing of a desired force system.