This document discusses different types of labial bows used in removable orthodontic appliances. A labial bow is an essential component that functions to retrude anterior teeth. There are several types including short and long labial bows, Roberts retractors, reverse labial bows, and Begg's labial bow. Each has a specific indication and method of fabrication and activation. The document reviews the components, placement, construction techniques, and functions of various labial bows used to correct malocclusions through minor tooth movements.

1. Presented by: M.R. Vatankhah
Assistant professor: Dr. H. M.Sadeghi

2. What is a labial bow?
 A labial bow is the most notable component of a retainer so
patients are very sensitive to the look and feel of it.
 Labial bows or the active component of the removable
orthodontics appliances.
 The principle function of the bow is to retrude the anterior teeth.
 Labial bow is an essential component of removable orthodontic
appliances.

3. Functions
 It can be either passive OR active.
 It can also be used for retentive purposes.
 They exist in two groups: With U-loops & without U-loops.

4. Types  Short labial bow
 Long labial bow
 Roberts retractor
 Reverse labial bow
 Begg’s labial bow
 Mills labial bow
 Fitted labial bow
 High labial bow with apron springs
 Split labial bow

5. Components
 The incisor segment.
 Vertical loops.
 The occlusal or cross over section.
 The retentive ends.
Vertical loop
Retentive end

6. Placement of the incisor segment
Active bow Passive bow (below the HOC)
0.6 or 0.7 mm 0.9 or 1 mm

7. Construction

8. Short labial bow
indications
Closure of
spaces
Mesial to
canine
Retraction
of anteriors
Proclination
Anterior
spacing
Overjet
reduction
0.7 mm (A)

9. Fabrication of S.L.B.
 Labial segment of wire is placed at the J. of the incisal and
middle third.
 Vertical segment starts from mesial third of canine, should be
perpendicular to the incisor segment and should be away from
gingiva.
 Occlusaly it passes between canine and premolar.
 Retentive ends adapted
to the lingual or palatal
side.

10. Activation
 Compressing the U-loop by 1mm.

11. Long labial bow
indications
Anterior
space closure
Overjet
reduction
Anterior
spacing
Closure of
the space
distal to the
canine
Retaining
device
at the end of
Fixed T.
Guidance of
canine
Using palatal
retractor
0.7 mm (A) 0.9 mm (P)

12. Fabrication & Activation of L.L.B.
 Same as short labial bow, BUT:
 Occlusaly it passes between two premolars.
 Also activated by compressing of the U-loop.

13. Retractors function; Canine retraction for exampleAn example for retractor’s function; canine retractor

18. Roberts retractor
indications
Retraction of 4 incisors
Following retraction of canines
0.5 OR 0.6 mm
Excellent retraction bow

19. Fabrication
 Labial segment of wire is placed at the J. of the incisal and
middle third.
 Extends only two thirds of the MD width of the lateral incisors.
 A coil of 3mm internal diameter placed mesial to canine.
 Distal part is supported in a SS tubing.

20. Activation
 It is activated by closing the coil OR giving
palatal bend at emergence of the coil.

21. Reverse labial bow
indications
Retaining
tooth positions
Minor tooth
movements
0.7 mm
This is too stiff for effective incisor retraction;
and the stability ratio is poor.

22. Fabrication
 U-Loops are placed distal to the canine.
 The free ends of the U-loops are adapted occlusally between the
premolar and canine.

23. Activation
 First the U-loop is opened this results in lowering of the labial
bow in the incisor region .
 A compensatory bend is given at the base of the loop

24. Begg’s labial bow
wrap around, around the globe bow
indications Retainer
After Fixed
Ortho th.
0.9 mm

25. Fabrication
 Consists of labial wire that extends till the last erupted molar.
 U-loop is incorporated at the premolar and
molar area to close the band spaces.
 Advantage: because there is no cross-over wire
between the canine and premolar, it eliminates
the risk of space opening up.

26. Mill’s retractor
extended labial bow
indications
Large
overjet
alignment
Irregular
incisors
0.7 mm

27. In this labial bow:
• Extensive looping of the wire → Flexibility↑ & Range of action↑
• Patient acceptance : poor
• Design: complex

28. Fitted labial bowindications
Secure incisors
firmly
After incisors
rotation
Retainer
NOT USED in
Active tooth
movements
0.7 mm

29. High labial bow
with apron spring
indications
Retraction
One or
more teeth
Large
overjet
0.9 mm

30. This labial bow:
• Is very similar to a Roberts retractor
• Highly flexible
• Light force

31. Fabrication
 A heavy base arch of 0.9 to 1mm wire extends into the buccal
sulcus, with vertical arms incorporated and relived in the areas of
labial frenum.
 Apron springs are the active components which are attached to
the base arch by winding a few turns in horizontal arms. made of
0.4mm wire is attached to the high labial bow.

32. Activation
 Bending the upright arms of the apron spring towards the teeth.
(3mm activation at a time)
 Disadvantages: Difficulty in construction & Tissue injury.

33. Split labial bow
indications
Retraction
Anterior
Closure of
midline
diastema
0.7 mm

34. This labial bow:
• Used for retraction; effective for incisors retraction.
• Used for median diastema closure; in this type, the
free ends of labial bow meet each other.
• Not effective for overjet reduction
• Activation is same as short labial bow.

35. References
 Contemporary orthodontics, proffit’s 2013
 JSS university official website & presentations.
 Alam, Mohammad Khursheed. "REMOVABLE APPLIANCE.“
 Luther, Friedy, and Zararna Nelson-Moon. Orthodontic retainers
and removable appliances: Principles of design and use. John
Wiley & Sons, 2012.
 Indiandentalacademy.com
 http://www.dent-wiki.com/dental_technology/labial-bow/

36. Presented by: M.R. Vatankhah
Assistant professor: Dr. H. M.Sadeghi