Objective:

To compare the upper anterior retraction distance through helical loops made of nickel-titanium alloy and stainless steel.

Method:

The helical loops were made of nickel-titanium alloy and steel of caliber 0.017” x 0.025”, MBT brackets and molar tubes slot 0.22”. The typodonts were scanned before and after the procedure, the closure and inclination were measured in the pieces adjacent to the space, the Wilcoxon rank test was applied with a significance level of 95%.

Results:

Differences were evident in the comparison made between T1 and T2, in the loop made of steel the average closure was greater than in the case of NiTi, however, the steel loop produces more changes in the angulation of the canines.

Conclusion:

The findings suggest that both materials are clinically useful, although steel could be preferred in cases that require greater efficacy in space closure.