LEVELING WITH CONTINUOUS ARCH OR SEGMENTED ARCH TECHNICS – PROBLEMS AND SUGGESTIONS

Alignment can be realized with continuous or segmented arches. The use of full arch wire may produce a lot of side effects, because we can't predict the forces and moments which the wire will generate. Segmented arches give a better distribution of forces and allow prediction of the desire movements.
Aim:
The aim of the article is to show how using the biomechanical principles of the segmented arch technique in the stage of leveling can be used to optimize the orthodontic treatment and reduce the side effects of the straight arch technique.
Results:
The use of a continuous arch in the leveling and alignment phase generate forces and moments that lead to movements that are difficult or impossible to predict. Therefore, the application of a straight wire in the leveling phase is recommended in cases of small crowding, the need for small movements, as well as the use of straight wire in small segments for limited alignment. In all cases with moderate and severe crowding, severe canine or premolar root angulation, canines or incisors extrusion or retraction,
molar uprighting, periodontal health compromised teeth, as well as between teeth in low geometries I to III, leveling with segmented arches, loops or cantilevers is highly recommended.
Conclusion
The most effective orthodontic treatment requires the ideal mechanical approach for the individual patient and the type of dental arch. In this aspect, the segmented arch technique can support the straight arch technique in severe clinical situations to reduce side effects and optimize orthodontic treatment.


Keywords: biomechanics, segmented arches, loops, cantlivers

Assoc. Prof. Hristina Arnautska MD

DDS, MSD, PhD, Associate professor, Head of Orthodontics Department, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University – Varna, Bulgaria