Understanding the basis of space closure in Orthodontics for a more efficient orthodontic treatment.
BACKGROUND
Space closure is one of the most challenging processes in Orthodontics and requires a solid comprehension of biomechanics in order to avoid undesirable side effects. Understanding the biomechanical basis of space closure better enables clinicians to determine anchorage and treatment options. In spite of the variety of appliance designs, space closure can be performed by means of friction or frictionless mechanics, and each technique has its advantages and disadvantages. Friction mechanics or sliding mechanics is attractive because of its simplicity; the space site is closed by means of elastics or coil springs to provide force, and the brackets slide on the orthodontic archwire. On the other hand, frictionless mechanics uses loop bends to generate force to close the space site, allowing differential moments in the active and reactive units, leading to a less or more anchorage control, depending on the situation.


OBJECTIVE
This article will discuss various theoretical aspects and methods of space closure based on biomechanical concepts.
Professor, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Undergraduate and Graduate Programs, Department of Orthodontics, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. , Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Department of Orthodontics, Florianópolis Santa Catarina , Brazil.
Gerson Luiz Ulema
GL
Ribeiro
Professor, Texas A&M University, Baylor College of Dentistry, Undergraduate and Graduate Programs, Department of Orthodontics, Dallas, Texas, USA., Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University, Baylor College of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics, Dallas Texas , USA.
Helder B
HB
Jacob
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D052280:Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures / Q000379:methods; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D000070297:Orthodontic Friction; D019516:Orthodontic Space Closure / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome