European Journal of Orthodontics, 2017, 202–208

doi:10.1093/ejo/cjw044
Advance Access publication 10 June 2016

Original Article

Force system generated by elastic archwires

with vertical V bends: a three-dimensional
analysis

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Madhur Upadhyay1, Raja Shah2, Donald Peterson3, Takafumi Asaki4,
Sumit Yadav1, and Sachin Agarwal5
1
Division of Orthodontics, Department of Craniofacial Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington,
CT, USA, 2Private Practice, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 3College of Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics,
Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, Texarkana, TX, USA, 4STEM Innovation Laboratory, Biomedical
Engineering, Texas A&M University, Texarkana, TX, USA, and 5Department of Orthodontics, Melbourne Dental School,
University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia

Correspondence to: Madhur Upadhyay, Division of Orthodontics (L-7060), Department of Craniofacial Sciences, University
of Connecticut Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA. E-mail: maupadhyay@uchc.edu

Summary
Background:  Our previous understanding of V-bend mechanics is primarily from two-dimensional
(2D) analysis of archwire bracket interactions in the second order. These analyses do not take into
consideration the three-dimensional (3D) nature of orthodontic appliances involving the third
order.
Objective:  To quantify the force system generated in a 3D two bracket set up involving the molar
and incisors with vertical V-bends.
Materials and methods:  Maxillary molar and incisor brackets were arranged in a dental arch
form and attached to load cells capable of measuring forces and moments in all three planes
(x, y, and z) of space. Symmetrical V-bends (right and left sides) were placed at 11 different
locations along rectangular beta-titanium archwires of various sizes at an angle of 150 degrees.
Each wire was evaluated for the 11 bend positions. Specifically, the vertical forces (Fz) and
anterio-posterior moments (Mx) were analysed. Descriptive statistics were used to interpret the
results.
Results:  With increasing archwire size, Fz and Mx increased at the two brackets (P < 0.05).The vertical
forces were linear and symmetric in nature, increasing in magnitude as the bends moved closer to
either bracket. The Mx curves were asymmetric and non-linear displaying higher magnitudes for
molar bracket. As the bends were moved closer to either bracket a distinct flattening of the incisor
Mx curve was noted, implying no change in its magnitude.
Conclusions:  This article provides critical information on V-bend mechanics involving second
order and third order archwire-bracket interactions. A model for determining this force system is
described that might allow for easier translation to actual clinical practice.

Introduction system on each bracketed tooth. The quantitative knowledge of

the force system therapeutically applied to the individual teeth is
Multi-bracket appliances are commonly used in orthodontics to
of utmost importance for accurate control of their 3D translations
move teeth. Such appliances exert a three-dimensional (3D) force

© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Orthodontic Society. All rights reserved.
202
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M. Upadhyay et al. 203

and rotations. However, the fundamental challenge is the difficulty molar and incisors with simple V-bends placed at specific locations
in implementing this knowledge and the corresponding requirements along beta-titanium archwires of different sizes. It was our intention
in clinical practice. The force system generated by such appliances to generate a set of graphs/data through which the force system in
is complex and statically indeterminate. One way of circumventing any V-bend situation could be predicted for clinical purposes. We
this problem is to reduce the multi-bracket system into less compli- hypothesized that in a 3D set up, the force system does not show
cated basic units. The smallest basic unit that one can study is the symmetry between the two brackets, that is when the V-bend is
‘two-teeth segment’ of an arch (1–4). This offers a basic building moved across the mid point of the inter-bracket span the force sys-
block for understanding more complex force systems from multi- tem developed is specific for each bracket.
bracketed appliances.
Previously, this has been studied in a two-dimensional (2D) set up Materials and methods
involving either a straight wire in two non-collinear brackets (1, 2)
It was determined that in order to study the orthodontic force sys-
or a wire with a V-bend in collinear brackets (3, 4) such that the wire
tem in 3D, one would need force sensors capable of measuring 3D
and the bracket interact specifically in the ‘second order’. Depending
forces and moments, that is a multi-axis force transducer or load cell
on where these bends are placed, a variety of force systems can be
(8–10). A load cell is a mechanical device that can measure the forces

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generated (Figure 1). A V-bend when placed equidistant between two
and moments applied to it in all the three planes (x-y-z). By using
brackets A and B will produce ‘equal and opposite bending moments’
two of these load cells (S1 and S2) from Nano17 F/T Sensor (ATI
without any vertical forces at either bracket (neutral point). When
Industrial Automation, Apex, NC, USA) for an incisor bracket, and a
the bend is moved closer to bracket A, the moment on that bracket
molar bracket, a testing apparatus was constructed (Figure 2A). The
increases and vertical forces are generated at both the brackets to
testing apparatus was placed in a glass enclosure. The temperature
maintain equilibrium. When the bend is at one-third the distance
was maintained at 37°C.
between the brackets, the moment on the more distant bracket B
is zero (point of dissociation for bracket B). Further displacement
of the V-bend towards A will cause the moment to increase on that Experimental set up
bracket with a ‘reversal of moment’ on B in the same direction as Aluminum pegs representing the molar and incisor were arranged
the larger moment (point of reversal for B). If the bend is placed in in the shape of a maxillary dental arch using a predefined arch form
a similar manner closer to bracket B, a similar set of force system is (OrthoForm III—Ovoid from 3M Unitek). The pegs were positioned
created. In other words, the force system between the two brackets along the arch such that when brackets were adhered to them, the
show perfect symmetry or represent mirror images of each other and bracket slots followed the arch form. The distances between the pegs
are therefore interchangeable (2–4). were calculated using average tooth widths. Self-ligating standard
In the past, force system of similar 2D two teeth segment has edgewise brackets (Empower series from American Orthodontics,
been extended to explain the working of clinical appliances having 0.022  inch × 0.028  inch slot dimension) were bonded to the inci-
a 3D configuration, that is involving both second and third order sor and molar pegs using composite resin. A full dimension stainless
wire-bracket interactions (3, 5, 6). However, such an assumption steel archwire (0.021 inch × 0.025 inch) was used as a jig to align
might not reveal the actual nature of the appliance. In a finite ele- the brackets and ensure that they were bonded in a neutral position,
ment based study, Isaacson et al. (7) showed that V-bends placed on meaning they would express 0° tip and 0° torque. The sensors of
a 0.017  inch × 0.025  inch stainless steel archwire between maxil- the load cell were connected to the aluminum pegs via custom-made
lary molar and incisors produces a significantly different force sys- connector. This meant that the force system was being measured at
tem when compared to previous 2D models. They concluded that the sensors and not the brackets. Therefore, force system transfor-
the archwire interaction at the molar bracket is in the second order mations called ‘Jacobian transformations’ were used to transform
(bending plane) as in a 2D set up. While, at the incisor bracket the the force system measured at the sensors to the bracket interface
interaction is in the third order (torqueing plane). These differences (8). Each load cell was in turn connected to a data acquisition card
from the previous 2D models add to the complexity of the force sys- in a computer. LabVIEW (Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation
tem created. However, their study was confined to only one archwire Engineering Workbench) Version 7.1 platform was used for data
with no actual experimentation involved. acquisition, processing, and instrument control. The software appli-
To date, V-bend mechanics have primarily been analysed in the cation performed the mathematical calculations and generated real-
second order only, utilizing mathematical models (1–5) and/or com- time 3D displays of forces and moments acting on every tooth. All
puter-based analysis/simulations (7). These methods impose certain the measurements were recorded on a Microsoft excel worksheet.
boundary conditions for running the simulations that might not Beta-titanium archwires measuring: 0.016  inch × 0.022  inch,
hold true in actual clinical situations and deviations might occur. 0.017  inch × 0.025  inch, 0.019  inch × 0.025  inch and 0.021  inch ×
Therefore, the aim of this study was to experimentally quantify the 0.025 inch were used. Simple V-bends (right and left sides) were placed,
force system generated in a 3D two bracket set up involving the using a standardized wire bending station. They were placed at 11

Figure 1.  Force system produced by a V-bend in two collinear brackets. Note: Once the bend crosses the midline and moves toward bracket B the same pattern
will repeat, that is there is complete symmetry between bracket A and B (the picture is not drawn to scale).
204 European Journal of Orthodontics, 2017, Vol. 39, No. 2

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Figure 2.  (A) Testing apparatus, (B) Bend positions, (C) x-y-z coordinates: lateral view, (D) x-y-z coordinates: occlusal view. Note: Dotted axes indicate a plane
through the page.

different locations along the archwires at equal distances (3.8 mm) Error data

from each other (Figure  2B). The bend angulation was set at 150°. Different loads were applied over the z-axis of both the sensors. For
Each V-bend position was tested in ten archwires of a particular size. weights lesser than 50 g, the error was found to be 5%. The average
Therefore, a total of 440 archwires were tested. The position of every error for weights from 50 to 500 g was calculated to be 0.5%. The
bend was characterized by an a/L ratio, where ‘a’ was the position percent error was calculated by the following equation
of the bend from the incisor bracket and ‘L’ the distance between the
mesial edge of the molar tube and the distal edge of the incisor bracket Actual value - Expected value
measured along the arch wire (38 mm as measured on the arch form). % Error = ´100
Expected value
For example, a/L of 0.0 would represent a bend adjacent to the incisor 
bracket (a = 0 mm × 38 mm) and 1.0 next to the molar tube (a = 1 mm ×
38 mm). Similarly, a bend placed at 0.3 a/L ratio is 11.4 mm (0.3 mm × The expected values were the known weights and observed results
38 mm) from the incisor bracket toward the molar tube on the archwire. were the actual values.

Analysis Statistical methods

A clinical coordinate system was set up for the two brackets at the Descriptive statistics were used for this study. Statistical analyses
incisor and molar positions. Archwire symmetry was assumed and were performed using Graph Pad Prism (GraphPad Software, Inc.,
only the right half of the archwire was modeled. A global coordinate La Jolla, CA, USA). Individual statistical analyses were performed
was chosen. The force system measured at each sensor was repre- for Fz and Mx. Analyses of variance (ANOVA) were used to exam-
sented by their three orthogonal components. Fx, Fy, and Fz repre- ine differences in the curves for the force and moment components
sented the force components while Mx, My, and Mz represented the across the four arch wires used. Each curve was considered a data set
moments along the x, y, and z axes, respectively (Figure 2C and D). and consisted of the mean values of the force or moment component
The force was measured in Newton (N) but converted into gram- at each a/L ratio. Subsequent post hoc analyses of the curves using
force or gram (g) for convenience. Similarly, moment is represented
as gram millimeter (g.mm). Table 1.  Sign conventions and direction of force system.
For the purpose of analysis, we specifically focused on: the verti-
Force system Molar (m) Incisor (i)
cal forces at the molar (Fzm) and incisor brackets (Fzi), the second
order rotation (mesio-distal tipping) at the molar bracket (Mxm), and Fz (+) Intrusive Intrusive
the third order rotation (labio-lingual tipping) at the incisor bracket Fz (−) Extrusive Extrusive
(Mxi). Moments generated in one plane have negligible effect on Mx (+)* Mesial tip Facial/labial tip
those generated out of plane (11). Therefore, our analysis was lim- Mx (−)* Distal tip Palatal/lingual tip
ited to only Fz and Mx. The positive/negative sign convention simply
indicated the specific direction of the force system involved (Table 1). *All measurements were made at the bracket.
M. Upadhyay et al. 205

Bonferroni’s Multiple Comparison Test (P < 0.01) were used to com- with increasing wire size both Fz and Mx increased at the two brackets
pare each wire against the other, but only those comparisons, which (Figure 3 and Table 2). As the bend was moved towards the center of
examined the specific variables, were recorded. the interbracket distance (L), there was a reduction in the force and
moment generated at the individual brackets (Figure 3). Analysis of
the Fz curves showed linear symmetry for both the molar and inci-
Results sor brackets. However, the Mx curves (Mxi and Mxm) did not reveal
For each individual wire sample, 50 readings over a 5-second period a symmetrical relationship. The magnitude of Mxm was greater than
were recorded for each component at each sensor. Any variations Mxi when V-bends were placed close to any of the two brackets. Also,
among the 50 values in a particular set were negligible (P > 0.05) as Mxm curves were linear but asymmetric; while the Mxi curves were
they represented very minute fluctuations in the electronics of the sen- both non-linear and asymmetric, that is they showed flattening at the
sor or software program. The standard deviations for the mean values extremes where the bends were close to the brackets (Figure 3B).
were <0.75 g for the forces and <5 g.mm for the moments. A  com- The hypothesis was accepted. No symmetry was found between
parison of the effect of archwire size on the force system showed that the force system at S1 and S2, that is they were not interchangeable.

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Figure 3.  Graphical representation of the force system produced. (A) Vertical forces (Fz) and (B) moment in the transverse plane (Mx). The dotted vertical lines
indicate dissociation point for molar (blue), neutral point (black), and dissociation point for incisor (green).
206 European Journal of Orthodontics, 2017, Vol. 39, No. 2

Table 2.  Post hoc analyses using Bonferroni’s multiple comparison

test for the force and moment curves.

Fz Mx

Archwire (in inches) Incisor Molar Incisor Molar

0.016 × 0.022 versus 0.017 × 0.025 No No No No

0.016 × 0.022 versus 0.019 × 0.025 Yes Yes Yes Yes
0.016 × 0.022 versus 0.021 × 0.025 Yes Yes Yes Yes
0.017 × 0.025 versus 0.019 × 0.025 Yes Yes Yes Yes
0.017 × 0.025 versus 0.021 × 0.025 Yes Yes Yes Yes
0.019 × 0.025 versus 0.021 × 0.025 No No No No

Each comparison is labelled ‘Yes’ if there is a statistical significance

(P < 0.01).

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The torsional and bending moments created their own unique force
systems at each bracket. The point of dissociation, point of reversal,
and the neutral points were not consistent with a 2D description of
the same.

Discussion
Figure  4.  Archwire bracket interaction in the second order with the molar
The present study differed from the previous analyses of V-bend tube (left) and in the third order with the incisor bracket with V-bend placed
mechanics in many ways. This was the first time an actual experiment in proximity to (A) incisor bracket (a/L < 0.3), (B) molar bracket (a/L > 0.6), and
was performed rather than employing computer models (1–4) or (C) neutral point (a/L = 0.4–0.5). Note: Reversal of the moment is observed
finite element method (7). Not only bending moments (second order only in (A), at the molar tube.
wire bracket interactions) but also torsional moments (third order
interactions) were analysed at the two brackets. No boundary condi-
tions were imposed. Lastly, eleven different V-bend positions were
evaluated for four different archwires. Therefore, it did not come as
a surprise when the results showed significant deviations from the
previous data. In symmetrical brackets (Figure 1), the critical contact
angle for creating a moment due to a couple is similar as the brack-
ets are oriented in the same order. However, in our set up the molar
bracket was engaged in the second order while the incisor was in
the third order, thereby differing significantly in their critical contact
angles (12–14). This asymmetry was primarily responsible for the
asymmetrical nature of the force system between the two brackets.
When the V-bend was moved toward the incisor bracket
(a/L < 0.5) as expected the moment at that bracket (Mxi) increased
while at the molar bracket (Mxm) it decreased (Figure 3B). At an a/L
of 0.3, point of dissociation for the molar was obtained (Mxm = 0).
Any further decrease in the a/L ratio resulted in the reversal of the Figure  5.  a/L ratios (red dots) projected on the arch length (yellow dots).
direction of Mxm, that is it was now in the same direction as Mxi, Each measurement next to a yellow dot represents the distance between two
similar to the results of previous studies (2–4). It is important to adjacent yellow dots (in mm). Distance between any two adjacent red dots is
3.8 mm. The arch length is what an operator sees in a patient’s mouth from a
remember that the reversal of moment is a result of the bending
bucco-lingual direction. The dissociation point of molar at a/L ratio of 0.3 (in
properties of the wire in the second order (3, 7). Bending close to the
blue) translates to a distance of 11.4 mm (0.3 mm × 38 mm) from the incisor
incisor bracket causes the wire to reverse its direction of curvature bracket  along the curvature of the archwire but along the arch length it is
as it enters the molar tube (Figure 4A). Interestingly, as the V-bend only 5.4 mm (in blue). Similar inferences can be made for the neutral point
approached closer to the incisor bracket (a/L < 0.3) even the magni- (in black) and dissociation point of incisor (in green).
tude of the moments became similar. In fact, with thicker archwires
Mxm exceeded Mxi. This was a surprising outcome. According to placed sufficiently close to it so that the couple forces are very high,
the 2D models, Mxi should have been greater than Mxm because the partially offsetting the lack of distance between them. However, high
bend was closer to the incisor bracket. This discrepancy is due to the magnitude of couple forces within the bracket slot can increase the
second order engagement of the archwire in the molar tube versus local stress on the archwire causing permanent deformation of the
third order engagement in the incisor bracket. The moments created anterior leg of the archwire. This was reflected in our experiment by
at either bracket are a function of the couple forces at the edges of the flattening of the Mxi curve for all archwires. Also, moment due
the bracket and the distance between them. This distance is much to a couple tends to increase with an increase in the angle of entry of
greater for the molar bracket (bracket length) as compared to the the archwire into the bracket slot (3, 4, 7). The bends placed at a/L
incisor (bracket depth) because of their orientation. This precludes of 0.0–0.3 do not appreciably change the angle of entry of the wire
the incisor bracket to have a smaller moment unless the bend is into the incisor bracket as the bends are primarily in the transverse
M. Upadhyay et al. 207

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Figure 6.  The force system from a V-bend can be divided into three zones. Each zone represents a unique force system. In (1) no moment is created on the incisor.
In (2) the vertical forces reverse direction but are very small in magnitude to be of any clinical relevance, the moments are opposite in direction. In (3) no matter
how close the bend is placed to the incisor, the moment produced are similar and in the same direction. Note: There is some overlap among the zones at their
boundaries (not shown here).

plane (x-axis) as opposed to the anterio-posterior plane (y-axis) due this data into three distinct force systems provides critical insight into
to the curvature of the wire (Figure 5). the clinical application of torque/moment over the incisor and molar
When the bend was moved progressively closer to the molar (Figure 6). For example, any bend placed upto 15 mm mesial to the
bracket (a/L > 0.5), Mxm increased while Mxi decreased. The point of molar bracket will not produce any significant moment due to couple
dissociation for the incisor was observed at an a/L of approximately at the incisor bracket for the purpose of tipping or torque control.
0.6. However, a point of reversal was not observed, that is Mxi never
reversed in direction as predicted by the 2D model. Instead it became Limitations
flat (nonlinear) and remained close to 0 g.mm through a/L of 0.6–1 There were some limitations of this study. The force system was eval-
(Figure  3B). In other words, the moment on the incisor decreases uated in vitro. Factors such as saliva and occlusion were not simu-
considerably as the bend is moved away from it, but never reverses lated. However, studies aiming at clinically measuring F/M system
in direction (Figure 4B). Perhaps a more acute bend (<150 degrees) and the corresponding tooth movement are not feasible at this point
placed very close to the molar bracket is required to reverse the as biomechanical sensors capable of making intra-oral measure-
moment direction at the incisor bracket. ments are not available. Laboratory based simulations are the best
The neutral point was found at a/L of 0.4–0.5 for all the arch- option. The slight error/variation in the curves can be attributed to
wires, displaying a tendency to be located towards the incisor bracket methodological constraints, errors from the device, sensor sensitivity,
(Figure  3). Equal and opposite moments in such a set up are only and human error in: wire activation, bending, ligation, shape, etc.
created when the bend is moved closer to the incisor bracket so that However, regardless of the variations, the system was found to be
the wire is able to engage the edges of the incisor bracket in the third in equilibrium (Supplementary Text). The vertical forces (Fz) along
order and generate a moment opposite in sense to that on the molar the z-axis were equal and opposite at the two brackets (Figure 3A)
bracket (Figure 4C). Interestingly, a projection of the 3D two-bracket and the sum of all the moments (Mx) around the x-axis was zero
set up on a 2D plane further exaggerates this ‘off centering’ of the (Supplementary Figure).
V-bend (Figure  5). An a/L ratio of 0.5 when viewed from a buccal Another limitation was that only beta-titanium archwires with a
perspective is actually located 11.3 mm from the incisor bracket and 150° bend were tested. Future studies should focus on different arch-
18.2 mm from the molar bracket. This has never been taken into con- wire types with varying degrees of V-bends. These variations coupled
sideration in previous renderings of a similar set up (3, 6). with the mechanical properties of archwire–bracket interaction can
have significant impact on the force system. It will be interesting to
Clinical relevance see whether the model described above still holds true with these
The ratio of the moment at the incisor (Mxi) and molar bracket variations.
(Mxm) presented with some interesting patterns (Figure  3B). Any
bend placed at an a/L ratio of 0.0–0.3 had Mxi and Mxm in the same
direction (Mxi/Mxm > 0). From a/L of 0.3–0.6 the moments were Conclusions
opposite in direction (Mxi/Mxm < 0). Any bend placed at an a/L of 0.6 The force system obtained through the 3D analysis of a two bracket
or greater created a very small moment at the incisor and a relatively set up involving a molar and an incisor bracket is significantly dif-
larger moment at the molar tube (Mxi/Mxm  =  0). The synthesis of ferent from the previous 2D interpretation of the same. The vertical
208 European Journal of Orthodontics, 2017, Vol. 39, No. 2

forces were symmetrical and linear in nature, but the moments were 6. Nasiopoulos, A.T., Taft, L. and Greenberg, S.N. (1992) A cephalometric
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