This will be a randomized pilot split-mouth clinical trial of patients with spaces ≥ 3mm distal to the maxillary canines in need of closure through sliding mechanics. The sample consists of adolescent patients regardless of Angle's molar malocclusion who are receiving comprehensive full fixed appliance orthodontic treatment. Preformed conjoint archwires half being GUMMETAL and the other half SS, will be utilized. Each patient will have one side of the maxilla randomly allocated into the SS or GUMMETAL treatment group. The study will follow a split-mouth design to reduce the confounding variables from patient to patient on space closure mechanics. The maxillary arch in each subject will be randomized into a SS side or GM side using a random number generator. Spaces will be measured at; T0 is initial records, T1 is initiation of space closure, T2 will be 4 weeks after the initiation of space closure, T3 is another 4 weeks of space closure evaluation and T4 will be the final evaluation of space closure after 4 weeks from T3, via 3D intraoral scans of maxillary arches. Space measurement and calculations will utilize 3Shape software to measure the distance of canine movement based off the distal surface. Sliding mechanics will be activated through NiTi coil springs from the maxillary canines to the maxillary molars. The force will be standardized to 150 gms and will be measured each visit. The same provider will activate the NiTi coil spring for retraction, along with data collection. Superimposition of scans will be utilized to assess outcome measures.
When there is space present between our teeth orthodontically we have the ability to close them through many methods. Using braces as our treatment modality this study will be investigating how efficient a new orthodontic wire is in closing tooth space. This new material is trade-named GUMMETAL and claims to have many benefits to treating patients orthodontically. We will be exploring its efficiency in space closure compared to an industry standard (stainless steel). We predict that the stainless-steel orthodontic wire will be more efficient at space closure than the new GUMMETAL wires.