Experimental study on a dried human skull of Class III elastic traction for anchorage preparation

Abstract

We investigated the effect of Class III elastic traction of the maxillary dental arch on the maxillary alveoli of a dried human skull using strain gauges attached to a stabilizing arch wire. Marked downward deformation with lingual bending deformation was observed in the maxillary molar region. There was marked backward and upward deformation with buccal expansion in the alveoli anterior to the maxillary canines. In the maxillia itself, deformation-like rotation was noted that primarily caused a lowering of the posterior region. Deformation was smaller when traction was applied at the maxillary second molar than at the first molar. Deformation was also smaller with the palatal bar than without it.