Three dimensional finite element analysis of continuous and segmented arches with use of orthodontic miniscrews / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the displacement patterns shown by finite element analysis when the maxillary anterior segment was retracted from different orthodontic miniscrew positions and different lengths of lever arms in lingual continuous and segmented arch techniques. METHODS: A three dimensional model was produced, the translation of teeth in both models was measured and individual displacement was calculated. RESULTS: When traction was carried out from miniscrews in the palatal slope, lingual tipping of crowns and extrusion of the maxillary anterior segment were found in both continuous and segmented arches as the lever arms were made shorter. With miniscrews in the midpalatal suture area, the displacement patterns were similar to the palatal slope, but bodily movement of the upper incisors was observed in both continuous and segmented arches with the lever arm at 20 mm. When lever arms were longer, there was less extrusion of the incisors and more buccal displacement of the canines. Such displacement was shown less in the continuous arch than the segmented arch. The second premolar showed crown mesial tipping and intrusion, and the molars showed distal tipping in the continuous arch. The posterior segment was displaced three dimensionally in the segmented arch, but the amount of displacement was less than the continuous arch. CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended that lever arms of 20 mm in length be used for bodily movement of the anterior segment. Use of continuous or segmented arches affect the displacement patterns and induce differences in the amount of displacement.

Finite element analysis of effectiveness of lever arm in lingual sliding mechanics / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct three-dimensional finite element analysis of individual tooth displacement and stress distribution when a posterior retraction force of 200 g was applied at different positions of the retraction hook on the transpalatal arch (TPA) of a molar, and over different lengths of the lever arm on the maxillary anterior teeth in lingual orthodontics. METHODS: A three-dimensional finite element model, including the entire upper dentition, periodontal ligaments, and alveolar bones, was constructed on the basis of a sample (Nissan Dental Product, Kyoto, Japan) survey of Asian adults. Individual movement of the incisal edge and root apex was estimated along the x-, y-, and z-coordinates to analyze tooth displacement and von Mises stress distribution. RESULTS: When the length of the lever arm was 15 mm and 20 mm, the incisal edge and root apex of the anterior teeth was displaced lingually, with a maximum lingual displacement at the lever arm length of 20 mm. When the posterior retraction hook was on the root apex, the molars showed distal displacement. When the length of the lever arm was 20 mm, anterior extrusion was reduced and the crown of the canine displaced toward the buccal side, in which case, the retraction hook was on the edge, rather than at the center, of the TPA. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the analysis showed that when 6 anterior teeth were retracted posteriorly, lateral displacement of the canine and lingual displacement of the incisal edge and root apex of the anterior teeth occur without the extrusion of the anterior segment when the length of the lever arm is longer, and the posterior retraction hook is in the midpalatal area.