Efficiency of Canine Retraction Using Different Reactivation Intervals

Canine retraction after 1st premolar extracion into the extraction space is a routine treatment in orthodontics. Orthodontic patients requiring first premolar extraction, canine retraction and maximum anchorage were recruited for this randomized controlled trial. A search of the literature did not indicate the ideal frequency of elastomeric chain reactivation for optimum canine retraction. The study was approved by the ethical committee. The first premolars were extracted. Elastomeric chains were used to retract the canine distally into the 1st premolar space. The optimum reactivation interval was evaluated regarding the efficiency of treatment in terms of rate of canine retraction, canine tipping and rotation, root resorption and pain at the intervals of 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks. Three dimensional imaging, as well as digital scanning were the methods for data collection.