Objectives: To determine the mechanical characteristics of beta-titanium T-loops with and without helices, with 0 and 180 degree gable bends and constructed from 0.017 inch x 0.025 inch and 0.019 inch x 0.025 inch wire.
Methods: Forty beta-titanium T-loops were centrally positioned in a universal testing machine. The horizontal force and the moment/force ratios during activation were recorded at 1 mm intervals, up to a maximum of 7 mm. The data were analysed with analysis of variance complemented by the Tukey test for multiple comparisons.
Results: The results demonstrated that the transverse section of the wire had the greatest effect on the horizontal force produced by the loops. Significantly lower levels of horizontal force were obtained with loops made with the smaller 0.017 inch x 0.025 inch wire. Loops with gable bends yielded high moment/force ratios, whereas loops without gable bends had low moment/force ratios. In general, T-loops with helices yielded lower magnitudes of horizontal force and moment/force ratios than plain T-loops.
Conclusions: The horizontal forces and moment/force ratios generated by plain T-loops with 180 degree gable bends yielded more adequate force systems. Incorporation of helices in the design of T-loops seems to be unnecessary.
