Abstract:Objectives To investigate and compare the efficacy of space closure of anterior teeth using rubber chain method or traction hook sliding. Methods A total of 80 cases with extractions of first bicuspids who were admitted in the Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University from July 2014 to March 2015 were involved. The patients were randomly divided into group A and B. After closure of tooth extraction, patients in group A received orthodontic treatment using elastics chains to close the anterior teeth space, while patients in group B received orthodontic treatment by sliding mechanics to close the anterior teeth space. The pulling force was 150 grams.Rubber was replaced every month. The space change was measured by plaster model. Results Both two methods achieved the satisfactory effect without obvious adverse events. The average speed of rubber chain was 1.17 mm/month while that was 0.90 mm/month when using the traction hook sliding method. Rubber chain exerted a significantly faster speed when compared with traction hook sliding (P < 0.05). Teenagers experienced faster closure of space when comparing with adults (P < 0.05). Conclusion Rubber chain method is an efficient way to close the anterior teeth.