Retraction of canines represents a fundamental stage in a considerable number of orthodontic treatment. Correct position of the canine after retraction is most important for function, stability, and esthetics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the stress in the periodontal tissue at the initial phase during canine retraction using various types of sectional retraction springs, by finite element method. Three dimensional model of tooth, periodontal ligament, bone and eight springs were simulated and tested. The following results were obtained. 1. In sectional retraction springs, increasing number of helix and the closed loop in preference to the open loop provided an decrease in horizontal force. Without angulating the arms of spring, the T-loop revealed the highest Moment-to-force ratio. 2. The Moment-to-force ratio raised by angulating mesial and distal arms of spring, but very large horizontal force was applied to canine. 3. When optimal force and optimal moment was applied to canine, the stress induced was homogeneous and the difference of stress value from cervix to the apex was little.