Efficiency and three-dimensional effects of maxillary canine distalization using Blue Elgiloy T-loop mechanics: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND

Controlled maxillary canine distalization is biomechanically challenging due to the long root and proximity to the buccal cortical plate. Although frictionless T-loop mechanics are widely used, clinical evidence focusing on Blue Elgiloy alloys assessed with three-dimensional imaging remains limited.

METHODS

This prospective study included 20 patients contributing 61 maxillary canines. Canine distalization was performed using frictionless Blue Elgiloy T-loop mechanics with miniscrew anchorage. The primary outcome was assessed by measuring the R3-miniscrew distance at baseline (T0), 6 weeks (T1), 12 weeks (T2), and 18 weeks (T3). Secondary outcomes, including canine root length, alveolar bone height, root-buccal cortex distance, and buccolingual inclination, were evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) at T0 and T3.

RESULTS

A significant and progressive reduction in the R3-miniscrew distance was observed over 18 weeks (all P < 0.001), with a mean cumulative distalization of 4.03 ± 0.68 mm. CBCT analysis demonstrated small but statistically significant changes in root length, alveolar bone height, root-buccal cortex distance, and buccolingual inclination, all within clinically acceptable limits. Canines on the preferred chewing side exhibited significantly greater distalization than those on the nonpreferred side (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Blue Elgiloy T-loop mechanics achieved effective and progressive maxillary canine distalization with satisfactory three-dimensional control. Chewing preference was significantly associated with distalization efficiency (ΔR3), highlighting the potential influence of functional factors on orthodontic tooth movement.