OBJECTIVE To mechanically evaluate different systems used for incisors retraction. METHODS Three different methods for incisors retraction using 0.019 x 0.025-in stainless steel wire were evaluated. The samples were divided into three groups: Group A (retraction arch with 7-mm high vertical hooks); Group G3 (elastic chain attached to the mini-implant and to the 3-mm stainless steel hook welded to the retraction arch); Group G6 (elastic chain attached to the mini-implant and to the 6-mm stainless steel hook welded to the retraction arch). A dental mannequin was used for evaluation in order to simulate the desired movements when the device was exposed to a heat source. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test were used (p < 0.05). RESULTS The results demonstrated that Groups G3 and G6 exhibited less extrusion and less incisor inclination during the retraction phase (p < 0.05). With regard to incisor extrusion, statistically significant differences were observed between Groups A and G3, and between Groups A and G6 (p < 0.05). Regarding incisor inclination, statistically significant differences were observed between the three evaluated systems (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Arches with 6-mm vertical hooks allow the force to be applied on the center of resistance of the incisors, thus improving mechanical control, when compared with the other two systems.