Introduction
The concept of normal occlusion, which characterizes the ideal dental alignment seen in individuals with excellent dental positioning, was originally introduced by Andrews in his seminal works published in 1972 and 1989.1, 2 Andrews' pioneering research has since become a cornerstone in the field of Orthodontics. Furthermore, his contributions have reshaped our understanding of diagnostic criteria and treatment objectives in orthodontic practice.
Among the six key components defining normal occlusion, the precise mesiodistal alignment of the long axis of dental crowns plays a pivotal role in achieving a harmonious occlusal relationship and overall stomatognathic system balance. 3, 4 Additionally, this axial alignment is a crucial factor for ensuring that teeth align correctly within their respective bony foundations and for maintaining the long-term stability of orthodontic treatments. 3, 4, 5 This parameter is considered a benchmark for orthodontic treatment excellence and can be assessed through clinical evaluation or plaster model analysis, both before, during, and after orthodontic therapy. 2, 6, 7, 8, 9
Historically, the focus on dental angulations has been a notable aspect of Holdaway's perspective.4 In 1952, Holdaway proposed that orthodontic accessories should be angled during appliance installation, replacing the need for artistic bends in the anterior arch segment.4 Then, in 1970, Lawrence F. Andrews1 pioneered the first fully preadjusted orthodontic appliance (Straight wire), which integrated in built prescription into the bracket design, thereby eliminating the necessity for second-order bends and the requirement for angulated bonding of the brackets. However, the built-in features of this appliance do not entirely manifest due to mechanical inefficiencies in the fully preadjusted system.
Uprighting springs, initially introduced by Begg in 1956 as part of the light wire differential force technique, serve a dual purpose.10 They are employed not only for mesiodistal root uprighting during Stage III of Begg's Technique but also as braking auxiliaries to enhance anchorage during various tooth movements.10, 11, 12 However, the popularity of the light wire technique has waned with the advent of preadjusted edgewise appliances, leading to a decline in familiarity among modern orthodontists regarding the use of Begg uprighting springs. However, there are instances where these built-in features may not be fully effective owing to manufacturing errors. Of late, there has been renewed interest in exploring these springs as adjuncts in contemporary preadjusted edgewise appliance systems equipped with vertical slots. Their additional anchorage potential can be effectively harnessed for various treatments, such as posterior teeth protraction for space closure.12 These springs are fabricated from 0.009" to 0.018" Australian archwire, tailored to the specific tooth type and intended purpose, whether mesiodistal up righting or providing supplementary anchorage as brakes. 13
The inclinations of the anterior teeth, particularly those of the canines, play a pivotal role in determining the spatial arrangement of teeth within the dental arch, as illustrated in Figure 1. Moreover, these inclinations exert a direct influence on the angulation and protrusion of the incisors, as well as the measurement of overjet, as extensively documented in the literature. 1, 3, 8, 9, 14
Technique
A 17-year-old male patient visited our department, presenting with a primary concern of having upper and lower teeth that were positioned too far forward. However, it was not possible to evaluate the canine relationship on both sides due to the mesial tipping of both mandibular canines, as depicted in the figure. To address this, we bonded MBT brackets with 0.022 × 0.028 slots to both the upper and lower arches.
A 0.016 NiTi archwire was placed in the bracket slot in Ribbon archmode because it offers significant time and resource efficiency. In the context of the ribbon arch mode, the wire was skilfully ligated to the tipped canine bracket, forming an elegant 'S' configuration. This arrangement induced a counter-clockwise moment in the crown region, while simultaneously generating a clockwise moment in the root section, all with the ultimate objective of aligning the tooth to its proper position, as seen in the Figure 2. It was utilized to correct the mesial tipping of both canines by employing a super-elastic .014 NiTi round continuous archwire.
Figure 2
Ribbon arch mode- Placing round wire in a ‘S’ configuration to generate counter-clockwise moment in the crown and clockwise moment in the root in order to upright the tooth.
Conclusion
In summary, it can be inferred that each case mandates careful consideration for the selection of the most suitable appliance and a comprehensive evaluation. When conventional methods prove to be challenging or time-consuming in correcting tipped teeth, the ribbon arch mode technique emerges as a valuable alternative. It is imperative that each case is meticulously prepared, and optimal biomechanical principles are applied to expedite the achievement of therapeutic goals while prioritizing the patient's best interests.
