the tweed profile - The Charles H. Tweed International Foundation

T-LOOP MECHANICS
Incisor intrusion with T-loops is an augmentation of traditional incisor intrusion methods, especially for the
low angle patient and for the less than ideal cooperator. It is absolutely imperative that it be done with stainless
steel archwires to give the resilience needed to control anchorage and vertical dimension. The high-pull J-hook
headgear’s importance as an auxiliary increases in proportion to the increase in the degrees of FMA. When the
FMA is 25˚ or higher, it is essential. In patients who have an FMA greater than 30˚, one must be very careful
with T-loop use in order to control the canine and occlusal plane as well as the molars.
If the space between the canines and lateral incisors is greater than 3.5 mm, it is best to place the headgear to
soldered hooks between the central and lateral incisors. Once the space is less than 3.5mm, it is usually advisable
to place the headgear mesial to the canines (which are ligated with wire ties from the distal to prevent rotation)
to prevent canine extrusion and tipping reaction from the incisor intrusion on the T-loops. The high-pull
J-hook headgear should deliver 14 -18 oz (400 – 500 g.) of force per side.
T-loop Dimensions
First Activation of T-loop to Intrude Centrals
How to Place the Bow in the Anterior
Always Confirm 3rd Order
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