Placing Torque in a Continuous T-Loop Archwire

Clinicians often notice a retroclination of the incisors during anterior retraction with low-friction or loop mechanics. An increase in anterior torque may be needed at this stage to achieve proper incisor inclination. It is not always possible to add anterior torque to the retraction archwire without removing it from the patient's mouth; a wire that is cinched back often cannot be removed without cutting it anterior to the molar tubes. Here is a simple technique for adding anterior torque to a continuous T-loop archwire without removing it.

First, straighten the cinched part of the wire. Slide the wire anteriorly, just enough to disengage the four incisors (A). Make a "V" bend in the gingival portion of each T-loop with an omega-loop-forming or three-pronged plier (B). If equal "V" bends are made in the T-loops on both sides, equal torque will be transmitted to the four incisors (C). Retie the archwire in the four incisor brackets, and activate it for anterior retraction.