Objective: To investigate the effect of the position of the apical portion of closing loops on the force system at both loop ends.
Materials and methods: T-loops were compared with backward-sloped L-loops (SL) and reversed L-loops (RL). SL-loops were directed toward the anterior side; RL-loops were directed toward the posterior side. Loop response to loop pulling was determined with finite element analysis at six positions of the apical loop portion for 12-mm interbracket distance and 8-mm loop length and height. Three-dimensional models of the closing loops were created using beam elements with the properties of stainless steel. Loop responses (horizontal load/deflection, vertical force, and moment-to-force ratio) at both loop ends were calculated as well as at 100 g and 200 g activation forces.
Results: T-, SL-, and RL-loops with the same position of the apical portion showed approximately the same force system at both loop ends. This behavior was found across the investigated range through which the loops were moved (interbracket center to posterior bracket).
Conclusions: The center of the apical portion determined the force system of the closing loops regardless of the position of the loop legs. The centers of the apical portion of the T-, SL-, and RL-loops acted like V-bend positions.
Keywords: Finite element analysis; Force system; Reversed L-loop; T-loop; V-bend.