Chairside archwire preparation for sliding mechanics

ABSTRACT

The aim of this paper is to describe a method of chairside archwire preparation for space by the sliding mechanic. One size stainless steel standard shape archwire is needed for the upper and lower dental arches. The archwire preparation require bending two circles distal to lateral incisors, orienting the circles in relation to the archwire, correcting undesirable level and torque discrepancy, and individualizing the archwire to the patient's arch form. The circles will divide the archwire into anterior and posterior segments. The force for sliding mechanics is provided by stretching elastic ring between the molar hooks and the circles. The prepared archwires can be used for the treatment of different types of malocclusions. It proved practical, effective and reliable. This eliminated the need to buy large stocks of archwires with soldered hook and different archform