Effect of archwire stiffness and friction on maxillary posterior segment displacement during anterior segment retraction: A three-dimensional finite element analysis

Efficacy of a four-curvature auxiliary arch at preventing maxillary central incisor linguoclination during orthodontic treatment: a finite element analysis

BACKGROUND

Correct torque of the incisors is beneficial in the assessment of the effects of orthodontic treatment. However, evaluating this process effectively remains a challenge. Improper anterior teeth torque angle can cause bone fenestrations and exposure of the root surface.

METHODS

A three-dimensional finite element model of the maxillary incisor torque controlled by a homemade four-curvature auxiliary arch was established. The four-curvature auxiliary arch placed on the maxillary incisors was divided into four different state groups, among which 2 groups had tooth extraction space retracted traction force set to 1.15 N. Initial displacements and pressure stresses of the periodontal tissue in the maxillary incisors and molars were calculated after torque forces (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 N) were applied to the teeth at different stable states.

RESULTS

The effect of using the four-curvature auxiliary arch on the incisors was significant but did not affect the position of the molars. Given the absence of tooth extraction space, when the four-curvature auxiliary arch was used in conjunction with absolute anchorage, the recommended force value was < 1.5 N. In the other 3 groups (i.e., molar ligation, molar retraction, and microimplant retraction groups), the recommended force value was < 1 N. The application of a four-curvature auxiliary arch did not influence the molar periodontal and displacement.

CONCLUSION

A four-curvature auxiliary arch may treat severely upright anterior teeth and correct cortical fenestrations of the bone and root surface exposure.

Effect of archwire plane and archwire size on anterior teeth movement in sliding mechanics in customized labial orthodontics: a 3D finite element study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate anterior teeth movement with different archwire planes and archwire sizes during space closure with and without miniscrew in sliding mechanics.

METHODS

A 3D finite element method was applied to simulate anterior teeth retraction with and without miniscrew and power arm. Initial displacements and pressure stresses of periodontal tissue in anterior teeth were calculated after the teeth were applied with retraction forces with different archwire planes and archwire sizes.

RESULTS

High archwire plane showed better torque control of anterior teeth in both sliding mechanics. With intramaxillary retraction, anterior teeth showed lingual tipping and extrusion movement, whereas larger-size archwires did not reduce it. In miniscrew sliding mechanics, anterior teeth showed labial tipping and intrusion movement. Compared with intramaxillary retraction, the retraction force produced less pressure stress on periodontal tissue in miniscrew sliding mechanics with long power arm.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher archwire plane is conducive to anterior teeth torque control. In order to achieve the bodily movement of the anterior teeth during space closure, it is more important to choose the appropriate method (miniscrew sliding mechanics with long power arm), instead of increasing the size of the archwire.

A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis: Maxillary Dentition Distalization with the Aid of Microimplant in Lingual Orthodontics

Aim

To analyze the movement of anterior teeth by changing the height of the power-arm and changing the force application points during whole maxillary dentition distalization with the aid of micro-implants in lingual orthodontics to set a biomechanical reference for effective clinical use of lingual orthodontic appliance.

Methods

A three-dimensional finite element model of the maxillary teeth with lingual appliance and the associated support tissue was established. Maxillary dentition with the force of 200g was distalized using implant as anchorage, then the movement of anterior teeth was analyzed by changing the length of power-arm (1mm, 3mm, 6mm, 9mm) and by changing the force location from lingual side to buccal side.

Results

During whole maxillary dentition distalization with aid of the implants in lingual orthodontics: when the height of power arm was 1mm, the anterior teeth rotated clockwise, with the increasing of the height of power-arm, the anterior teeth rotated counterclockwise gradually. When the height of power-arm was 9mm, all anterior teeth rotated counterclockwise. Central incisor and lateral incisor rotated counterclockwise and canine rotated clockwise when the buccal side force was applied.

Conclusion

With the increase of the height of the power-arm, the movement pattern of the upper anterior teeth is different. The canine is more sensitive to the height of the power-arm than the central incisor and the lateral incisor. When the height of the power-arm reaches 9mm, the upper anterior teeth are displayed as crown tipping buccally movement. Compare with lingual side force, the buccal side force do better in preventing the loss of anterior tooth torque. If the upper anterior teeth are up-right or lingually tipped before treatment, it is preferable to use longer power-arm or buccal side traction force. If the anterior teeth are already tipped buccally, then short power-arm or lingual side force is advised.

Treatment of facial asymmetry and severe midline deviation with orthodontic mini-implants

This case report describes the treatment of a 29-year-old woman with facial asymmetry and 2 hopeless teeth. Her lower dental midline was shifted to the left side, and the mandibular left second molar would need to be extracted because of severe caries. The maxillary right second premolar was root rest, and the upper dental midline was shifted to the right side. Because of the patient's asymmetry and Class III skeletal pattern, a severe Class III relationship in the right canine region and lingual crossbite in the left side was observed. She did not want jaw surgery. The mandibular right first premolar, 2 hopeless teeth, and maxillary left second premolar were extracted, and orthodontic mini-implants were used to correct the dental midline, crossbite, and crowding. The mandibular left third molar was moved to the second molar extraction space by using orthodontic mini-implant anchorage. Adequate functional and esthetic results were obtained. Correction of the crossbite on the left side could improve facial asymmetry by changing the drape of the overlying lips.

Analysis of stress in periodontium associated with orthodontic tooth movement: a three dimensional finite element analysis

It is well known that the initiating factor for the biologic changes is the stress induced in the periodontal tissue; but as of now there is no gauge to measure the stress in the PDL directly. Therefore finite element model can be used to study the stress-strain relation through simulation of the PDL. The aim of the study was to simulate the stress response in the periodontium for different moment to farce ratios induced by tipping, translation, rotation, intrusion, extrusion and root torque by means of finite element method. The three-dimensional finite element model of the mandibular first molar was constructed. The pattern of Von misses stress and the maximum displacement of the mandibular molar was recorded on application of different combination of moment to force ratio. The periodontium was sensitive to changes in the load values. The stress pattern in the periodontal ligament for a lingually directed force without counterbalancing moments showed high concentration at the cervical level of the root. With addition of counter-tipping and counter-rotation moments, a relatively even distribution of stress throughout PDL was obtained. Additionally, high stress concentration was observed on the root surface at the furcation level for forces applied parallel to the long axis. Translation type of tooth movement showed relatively even distribution of the stress in the PDL and makes the tooth less susceptible to root resorption.