A Comparative Evaluation of Rates of Space Closure using Nickel-titanium Closed Coil Springs and Active Tiebacks in Premolar Extraction Cases

Abstract

Background: Space closure as an important step in orthodontic treatment requires an appropriate force system. Active
tiebacks and Nickel titanium closed coil springs are two methods of force systems available. This study aimed to evaluate
and compare the rates of space closure using both methods in premolar extraction cases.
Methods: This was a comparative clinical study with a split-mouth design carried out in the Orthodontic Clinics of Lagos
University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Lagos, Nigeria between
July 2018 and July 2019. Patients who required the closure of first premolar extraction spaces as part of their treatment plan,
who met the inclusion criteria and gave informed consent, were randomly recruited for the study. Fifteen subjects having
forty-two quadrants were recruited in total. The rate of space closure with Nickel titanium [NITI] closed coil springs and
Active tiebacks and a comparison between the two rates were evaluated.
Results: The participants in this study were within the age range of 13-39 years with a mean age of 23.13±9.37 years; 12
(80%) of the subjects were females and 3(20%) were males. The mean rate of space closure with NITI closed coil springs
was faster at 1 mm/month when compared to 0.75mm/month for active tiebacks.
Conclusion:Space closure with NITI closed coil spring was significantly greater than Active tiebacks by 0.25mm/month. (p
= 0.002) with a confidence interval of 95%. Thus, NITI closed coil spring may be considered a preferred option in various
clinical scenarios.