International Journal of Orthodontic Rehabilitation

CLINICAL PEARL
Year
: 2017  |  Volume : 8  |  Issue : 4  |  Page : 159--160

Reactivation of NiTi open coil spring using crimpable hook: A clinical pearl


Surendra Kumar Sewda, Akshay Madhukar Waingankar, Mohit Sharma, MP Prasanna Kumar, Amit Jain 
 Department of Dental Surgery and Oral Health Sciences, Division of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, AFMC, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Correspondence Address:
Surendra Kumar Sewda
Department of Dental Surgery and Oral Health Sciences, Division of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, AFMC, Pune - 411 040, Maharashtra
India

Abstract

Ni-Ti open coil springs are often used to create space for alignment of malposed teeth. Predetermining the length of open coil spring required to open up the exact amount of space is rather difficult, and occasionally, the length of the open coil spring falls short to open up the entire space required. This article highlights the chairside intraoral method of reactivation of NiTi open coil spring with the use of crimpable hook without removing the base archwire.



How to cite this article:
Sewda SK, Waingankar AM, Sharma M, Prasanna Kumar M P, Jain A. Reactivation of NiTi open coil spring using crimpable hook: A clinical pearl.Int J Orthod Rehabil 2017;8:159-160


How to cite this URL:
Sewda SK, Waingankar AM, Sharma M, Prasanna Kumar M P, Jain A. Reactivation of NiTi open coil spring using crimpable hook: A clinical pearl. Int J Orthod Rehabil [serial online] 2017 [cited 2024 Mar 29 ];8:159-160
Available from: https://www.orthodrehab.org/text.asp?2017/8/4/159/216505


Full Text

 Introduction



Predetermining the length of open coil spring required to open up the exact amount of space is rather difficult, and occasionally, the length of the open coil spring falls short to open up the entire space required.[1] Such a situation necessitates removal of the base arch wire and replacement with a longer spring which is often cumbersome and time-consuming, especially in a cinched stainless steel wire. Several methods advised for reactivation of the open coil spring have been given in literature such as split stainless steel tubing,[2] addition of 1.5–2 mm extra length of open coil spring,[3] spreading the coils apart by squeezing the adjacent helix with pliers,[3] C-rings fabricated from stainless steel rectangular arch wires,[4] and composite stop.[5] Here, we present a very simple yet effective and quick chairside method to reactivate the open coil spring using crimpable hooks without arch wire removal.

 Technique



Hold the crimpable hook as shown in [Figure 1]a with a crimpable plier. Expose the base arch wire by pushing the open coil spring to one side with a ligature tucker. Place the crimpable hook over the base archwire and crimp it to secure it on the wire [Figure 1]b. Release the coil spring so that it contacts the end of crimpable hook and the coil spring gets reactivated [Figure 1]c without base archwire removal. With the use of crimpable hook to reactivate NiTi open coil spring, approximately, 3 mm of space can be regained per single crimpable hook, and it can be further reactivated by addition of one more crimpable hook.{Figure 1}

 Discussion



Previous methods proposed for reactivation of open coil spring necessitates arch wire removal which is, especially cumbersome in case the arch wire is cinched back or any individual first/second order bends have been given in it. The removal may lead to bracket debonding at a critical stage.

In addition to this, split tubings [2] lead to accumulation of plaque and food debris thereby leading to a compromised oral hygiene. “C” Rings [4] have the disadvantage of rolling over onto the arch wire and its fabrication also consumes chair side time. Composites may fracture and they either roll and travel along the wire or simply break down. Our technique to reactivate NiTi open coil spring is simple, easy, and time-saving. One or more crimpable hooks can be crimped onto the wire [Figure 1]d, as required as per the range of reactivation desired.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

References

1Manhartsberger C, Seidenbusch W. Force delivery of Ni-Ti coil springs. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 1996;109:8-21.
2Gottlieb EL. Slit-tubing. J Clin Orthod 1968;2:523.
3Binder RE. Two rapid methods of reactivating open-coil springs. J Clin Orthod 2000;34:103-4.
4Yadav SK, Yadav DS. C-rings for reactivation of open-coil spring. J Clin Orthod 2012;46:503.
5Ahmed SV, Krishnaswamy NR, George AM, Faizee SH, Anand MK. Reactivation of open-coil springs using composite stops. J Clin Orthod 2014;48:317-8.