COMPARATIVE CLINICAL EFFICACY OF SEGMENTAL T LOOP AND GEOMETRY-X IN THE ALIGNMENT OF MALPOSITIONED CANINES: A PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL AND RADIOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

Aim: To compare the rate of individual labially placed canine retraction with Segmental T loop and Geometry-X.

Material and method: A randomized split-mouth clinical trial was conducted on 10 patients (20 canines), with one canine retracted using a Segmental T-loop and the contralateral canine using a Geometry-X. Parameters assessed were rate of retraction, canine rotation, distal crown tipping, anchorage loss, and root resorption, evaluated using pre- and post-treatment CBCT scans and study models.

Results: Geometry-X demonstrated a slightly higher mean retraction rate (0.79 mm/month) than Segmental T-loop (0.73 mm/month). Statistically significant canine rotation was observed with Geometry-X (34.5° vs. 15.4°). Anchorage loss was significantly lower in the Geometry-X group (1.75 mm vs. 2.65 mm). Distal crown tipping and root resorption were comparable.

Conclusion: Geometry-X offers advantages in terms of speed and anchorage preservation but induces more rotational movement. It is a viable alternative when anchorage control is prioritized, though rotational side effects must be managed.