The 'T' Spring fabricated in 0.5mm S.S wire.
The 'T' Spring fabricated in 0.5mm S.S wire prior to waxing out.
Note the 'head' of the 'T' spring is flat and horizontal against the premolar tooth and will not interfere with any other tooth during its buccal movement.
Occasionally it is necessary for the clinician to elongate the adjustment loops, to gain some extra active force in the 'T' spring, after the premolar tooth has been moved buccally (by a considerable distance).
The 'T' spring is waxed out in a similar way as to the palatal finger spring, leaving the retentive tags free to be incorporated into the acrylic base plate. The coverage of the wax over the 'T' spring is not excessive, to allow the thickness of the finished acrylic base plate to be kept to a minimum.
The 'T' spring is commonly used on premolar teeth that require a buccal movement and is an excellent alternative to the 'Z' spring (cantilever spring).
Correct fabrication and adjustment of the 'T' spring will achieve satisfactory results in the required tooth movement.
The clinician will adjust the 'T' spring in small increments and is carried out by pulling it away from the base plate.
This type of spring is easily managed by the patient (for insertion reasons) and by the clinician (for activation purposes).
