June’s Tip

Peripherals in Straight Wire System Back to Basics Part V Elastomeric Chain (Power Chain)

By Dr. Adrian J. Palencar, MUDr, MAGD, IBO, FADI, FPFA, FICD

June 2022

The next application the author would like to share with readers is protraction, retraction, and intrusion with the Elastomeric Chain.

Protraction and retraction

Protraction and retraction forces are referred to as a Buccal or Lingual Intra.  This is also considered as Class I – intra-arch application of force (as oppose to inter-arch)..  This force may be Elastic, Closing Coil Spring, Power Thread or Elastomeric Chain. The Elastomeric Chain could be applied from tooth to tooth, tooth to TAD, Appliance to tooth or tooth to arch wire.

Intrusion

Intrusion is the most difficult movement in orthodontics and the orthodontic clinician should try to avoid the “jiggling effect”. The recommended force is a continuous 38 – 50 grams and it should be titrated with the Gram Gauge (Cerum Ortho Organizers).  Intrusion creates labial moment (flaring) and this moment has to be neutralized with de-

torqueing forces i.e., Key-hole wire, Elastomeric Chain or Elastics – Buccal Intra or Closing Coil Spring

References:

  1. Rondeau Seminars, Case Finishing. 143 – 145
  2. Rondeau Seminars, Level I, Session 2, 117
  3. Cerum Ortho Organizers Catalogue, 234 – 235
  4. Palencar A. J., Intrusion and Uprighting Teeth for Fixed Prosthesis with TADs, International Journal of Orthodontics, VOL 23, 3, 2012