Photoelastic analysis of stress generated by Connecticut Intrusion Arch (CIA)

OBJECTIVE: The present in vitro study evaluated, by means of the photoelastic technique, the effects generated by the Connecticut Intrusion Arch (CIA), with a 90(o) bend on the distal surface of molar tubes and using the 4 x 2 appliance on the anterior and posterior regions of the upper dental arch. METHODS: Five models were manufactured, in which two different clinical situations were correlated: 1) use of intrusion arch not cinched back and transpalatal bar for anchorage (Group 1); 2) use of intrusion arch cinched back and transpalatal bar for anchorage (Group 2). Stress generated in the apical and middle regions of tooth roots of maxillary anterior teeth and maxillary first molars was evaluated. RESULTS: Taking a reference value of 1.0 MPa = 100%, qualitative descriptive analysis was performed, which showed uniformity between stress values in the apical region of anterior teeth of both groups (G1 and G2). In the posterior region, for models with the arch cinched back (G2), stress remained within 100%. As for G1 models (with the arch not cinched back), variations in the mesial surface of first molars were observed, with an increase of 20% in the generated stress. The apical region did not undergo any changes, while in the distal region of molars there was a decrease of 20% in stress. CONCLUSION: Laboratory results revealed differences in stress between Groups 1 and 2 in the molar region, thereby indicating that there was a tendency towards mesial root tipping of first molars when the distal end of the CIA was not cinched back.