Piggyback technique in Orthodontics

 Sectional NiTi wires can also be used to align a malpositioned tooth in a piggyback manner where rest of the arch is ligated with a stiff wire. With this arrangement, a light continuous force is exerted to bring the displaced tooth into the alignment while reciprocal force is distributed over the anchor teeth. 

Case done by: Dr. Sushant Pandey, CODS BPKIHS

Piggyback wires offer the potential to combine wires of similar or, more commonly, markedly different physical properties. In relation to space redistribution and alignment, piggybacks typically involve use of flexible round NiTi wires in combination with more rigid base arch wires permitting alignment of displaced teeth limiting the effect of reactive forces in terms of horizontal and vertical anchorage. 

Reference: 

1. Kharbanda, Om. (2013). Orthodontics: Diagnosis and Management of Malocclusion and Dentofacial Deformities 2nd ed.. 

2. Fleming, P., Seehra, J., 2019. Fixed Orthodontic Appliances. BDJ Clinician’s Guides.. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-12165-5