Modern Ortho Crimpable Hooks

With the advent of pre-adjusted edgewise orthodontic bracket systems, archwire fabrication has been considerably simplified.Archwires that are devoid of any loops or customizing bends can be utilized. These include fabricated tie-back loops, soldered brass hooks, pre-posted archwires and crimpable archwire hooks. Soldering requires chairside or laboratory equipment, is time consuming and may lead to annealing of the archwire. Crimpable archwire attachment allows quick and simple placement of the attachment in any desired position along the archwire in or out of the mouth.This clinical pearl aims at showing an easy and effective method of crimpable hook attachment without any compromise on arch wire properties

Retraction mechanics is an anteroposterior therapy used to close spaces, correct procumbency, and reduce the overjet. Retraction methods usually employ crimpable hooks between the lateral and canine on arch wires as means of attachment for retraction. 

Although crimping of hooks on arch wires is less time consuming and easier for the clinician, they usually pose a problem of getting loosened along the arch wire.

This can be an obstacle during retraction and is overcome by many clinicians by crimping the hooks with heavy force or by spot welding the hook to the wire.

Crimping of the hooks with heavy force can cause the wire to distort  and spot welding or soldering can result in annealing of the wire due to the heat produced compromising the wire properties.Furthermore, pre posted wires have an increased cost and require large inventory