Comparative Evaluation of the Force and Load Deflection Rate for Different Loop Springs with Varying Designs, Wire Dimensions, and Materials: A Finite Element Method Study

Objective: To evaluate and compare the force and load deflection rate generated by differing unit displacement through 1 to 4 mm of springs that vary in design (Double Delta Closing Loop, Double Vertical T Crossed Closing Loop, Double Vertical Helical Closing Loop and Ricketts Maxillary Retractor), constituting wire materials (stainless steel and beta titanium), and wire dimensions (0.017" × 0.025" and 0.019" × 0.025"). Materials and methods: Computer-assisted design (CAD) model of the said loop springs was created and converted to the finite element method (FEM). The boundary conditions assigned were restraining anterior segment of the loops in all the 3 axes and displacement of the posterior segment progressively only along the x-axis in increments of 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm. Force and load deflection rate were calculated for each incremental displacement. Results: For all loop designs, force and load deflection rate increased with incremental displacement. Loop springs of beta titanium and 0.017" × 0.025" dimension showed lesser force and load deflection rate than those of stainless steel and 0.019" × 0.025", respectively. Ricketts Maxillary Retractor showed the least force and load deflection rate. Comparable force and load deflection values were found for 0.017" × 0.025" Double Vertical T Crossed Loop and 0.019" × 0.025" Double Vertical Helical Closing Loop. Conclusions: Variations in wire dimensions, materials, and designs have a profound effect on force and load deflection rate of the different loop springs studied.