Retrieval mechanics for impacted teeth

Recovering impacted teeth is often much slower than necessary. Custom designed and adjusted appliances can greatly speed this process. Efficient mechanics must deliver a force vector that is adjustable in all three dimensions of space. The force vector must also deliver a biologic force which does not decay quickly as the impacted tooth moves. This article demonstrates several adjustable force systems that will quickly retrieve teeth from various locations in the mouth. One design does not fit all. Specific technique selection and custom modifications are often needed in the clinic. Redirecting and recovery of impacted teeth can be a slow, time consuming process. Proper visualization of the location of the impacted tooth along with the use of efficient custom designed recovery mechanics can make the recovery process much faster. The four major requirements of a good delivery system are as follows: (1) the system needs to deliver pressure at a biologically efficient level; (2) the delivered force system must have a low decay rate maintaining a near constant force as the impacted tooth moves; (3) the force vector produced by the mechanics must be adjustable in all three planes of space throughout the recovery process; and (4) the appliance must be as comfortable to the patient as possible.