Analysis of Stress Distribution and Displacement Based on the Miniscrew Positions of the Palatal Slope Bone-borne Expander: A Finite Element Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the stress distribution pattern of the palatal slope bone-borne expander on the maxillary area according to a different anteroposterior position of anchored miniscrews using finite element analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nasomaxillary stereolithography files with three different anteroposterior anchored miniscrew positions of the palatal slope bone-borne expander were determined as model A, B, and C. Each model consists of four supported miniscrews. Model A: two anterior miniscrews were located between the maxillary canine and the first premolar, and two posteriors between the second premolar and the first molar. Model B: two anteriors were between the lateral incisor and the canine, and two posteriors were the same as in model A. Model C: two anteriors were the same as in model A, and two posteriors were distal to the first molar. One turn of expander screws was applied. Maximum principal stress, equivalent elastic strain, equivalent von Mises stress, and transverse displacement were evaluated. RESULTS: The maximum principal stress was mostly found at the bone-miniscrew interface. Model A exhibited an intersecting area of stress between the supported miniscrews. The highest value of principal stress was in model B, while model C showed a uniform distribution pattern. The elastic strain pattern was similar to the principal stress in all models. The highest value of equivalent von Mises stress was located on the expander screw. The largest amount of transverse displacement of teeth was in model A, while model C exhibited a more consistent transverse displacement than other models. Vertical displacement of posterior teeth was also noticed. CONCLUSION: Based on the result, it revealed that the various anteroposterior miniscrew placements of the palatal slope bone-borne expander had various patterns of stress distribution and resulted in various outcomes. It may be inferred that model A's miniscrew location was advantageous for obtaining expansion quantities, but model C's miniscrew position was advantageous for maintaining consistent biomechanics.

Effects of miniscrew location on biomechanical performances of bone-borne rapid palatal expander to midpalatal suture: A finite element study.

This study investigated the effects of miniscrew location on biomechanical performance of bone-borne rapid palatal expander (B-RPE) to midpalatal suture, using finite element (FE). Three cases of B-RPE with different miniscrew locations (3 and 6 mm from midpalatal suture and palatal interdental site) were simulated activations in partly ossified midpalatal suture maturation. This study compared the expansion amount and pattern along the suture line. Equivalent von Mises (EQV) stresses at appliance, miniscrew, midpalatal sutures, and elastic strain at the bone around miniscrew were evaluated. In all cases, they could not break the midpalatal suture of palatine bone. However, midpalatal suture at the maxilla was expanded. The expansion amount and unparallel expanding pattern were increased when miniscrews were positioned away from the suture. The interdental miniscrew position extended the suture more than the other 2 cases, but the pattern was unparallel. When the miniscrews were positioned away from the suture, the EQV stress at the appliance and elastic strain at the bone around the miniscrew were reduced. In the case of the palatal interdental miniscrew, all parameters were of lower magnitude. All cases could expand the partly ossified midpalatal suture maturation. The distance between the midpalatal suture and the miniscrew influenced appliance EQV stress, elastic strain at the bone around the miniscrew, and expansion characteristics.

Physical/mechanical and antibacterial properties of orthodontic adhesives containing Sr-bioactive glass nanoparticles, calcium phosphate, and andrographolide.

White spot lesions around orthodontic brackets are the major complication during fixed orthodontic treatment. This study prepared orthodontic adhesives for promoting mineral precipitation and reducing bacterial growth. Adhesives with added calcium phosphate monohydrate/Sr-bioactive glass nanoparticles (Sr/CaP) and andrographolide were prepared. The physical/mechanical and antibacterial properties of the adhesives were tested. The additives reduced the monomer conversion of the materials (62 to 47%). The addition of Sr/CaP and andrographolide increased the water sorption (from 23 to 46 µg/mm3) and water solubility (from 0.2 to 5.9 µg/mm3) but reduced the biaxial flexural strength (from 193 to 119 MPa) of the adhesives. The enamel bond strengths of the experimental adhesives (19-34 MPa) were comparable to that of the commercial material (p > 0.05). The Sr/CaP fillers promoted Ca, Sr, and P ion release and the precipitation of calcium phosphate at the debonded interface. An increase in the Sr/CaP concentration enhanced the inhibition of S. mutans by 18%, while the effect of andrographolide was not detected. The abilities of the adhesives to promote ion release, calcium phosphate precipitation, and the growth inhibition of cariogenic bacteria were expected to reduce the occurrence of white spot lesions. The additives reduced the physical/mechanical properties of the materials, but the corresponding values were within the acceptable range.

Physical/Mechanical and Antibacterial Properties of Orthodontic Adhesives Containing Calcium Phosphate and Nisin.

Enamel demineralization around orthodontic adhesive is a common esthetic concern during orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to prepare orthodontic adhesives containing monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM) and nisin to enable mineralizing and antibacterial actions. The physicomechanical properties and the inhibition of S. mutans growth of the adhesives with added MCPM (5, 10 wt %) and nisin (5, 10 wt %) were examined. Transbond XT (Trans) was used as the commercial comparison. The adhesive containing a low level of MCPM showed significantly higher monomer conversion (42-62%) than Trans (38%) (p < 0.05). Materials with additives showed lower monomer conversion (p < 0.05), biaxial flexural strength (p < 0.05), and shear bond strength to enamel than those of a control. Additives increased water sorption and solubility of the experimental materials. The addition of MCPM encouraged Ca and P ion release, and the precipitation of calcium phosphate at the bonding interface. The growth of S. mutans in all the groups was comparable (p > 0.05). In conclusion, experimental orthodontic adhesives with additives showed comparable conversion but lesser mechanical properties than the commercial material. The materials showed no antibacterial action, but exhibited ion release and calcium phosphate precipitation. These properties may promote remineralization of the demineralized enamel.

Comparisons of the chondroitin sulphate levels in orthodontically moved canines and the clinical outcomes between two different force magnitudes.

The aims of this study were to compare the chondroitin sulphate (CS) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of moved canines using either 70 or 120 g of orthodontic force, and to compare the rate of tooth movement and the amount of pain between these two force magnitudes. Sixteen patients (6 males and 10 females; aged 16.91 ± 2.99 years), with class I malocclusion, who required orthodontic treatment with first premolar extractions, were recruited. The force magnitudes used to move the maxillary canines distally were controlled at 70 and 120 g on the right and the left sides, respectively. GCF samples were collected with Periopaper(®) strips before and during orthodontic tooth movement. Competitive ELISA with monoclonal antibody was used to measure the CS levels. The distance of tooth movement and the amount of pain assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) scores were evaluated. The medians of CS levels during the loaded period were significantly greater than those during the unloaded period (P < 0.05). The differences between the medians of CS levels of 70 g and 120 g retraction force during each 1 week period were not significant. There was no significant difference in the rates of canine movement between these two force magnitudes. However, using 120 g, the medians of VAS scores were significantly greater than those with 70 g (P < 0.05). Collectively, 70 g retraction force appears to be sufficient and more suitable than 120 g force as it causes no difference in biochemically-assessed bone remodelling activity, the same rate of tooth movement, reduced pain and better comfort.