Evaluation of En Masse Retraction Using Microimplant versus Conventional Techniques: An in Vitro Study

Abstract

The study aims to evaluate the effect of different techniques of en masse retraction on the vertical and sagittal position, axial inclination, rate of space closure, and type of movement of maxillary central incisor. Materials and methods: Three groups were used group 1(N=10, T−loop), group 2(N=10, Time−Saving loop), and group 3(N=10, Microimplant). Photographs were taken before and after retraction and measurements were made using Autodesk AutoCAD© 2010. Kruskal−Wallis one−way ANOVA and Mann−Whitney U test (p≤0.05) were used. Results: The rate of space closure showed no significant difference among the groups (p≤0.05). The type of tooth movement showed a significant difference among the groups (p≤0.05), where group 3 showed a more degree of controlled tipping than group 1 while group 2 showed an uncontrolled tipping movement. Conclusions: It is concluded that microimplant anchored sliding mechanics gives better control over the en masse retraction mechanics and greater retraction. Conventional techniques result in extrusion and move the teeth in less degree of translation