Comparison of frictional forces during the closure of extraction spaces in passive self-ligating brackets and conventionally ligated brackets using the finite element method

A finite element study comparing Advansync® and Twin Block in mandibular anterior repositioning

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to utilize the finite element method (FEM) to compare the dentoalveolar and mandibular effects associated with anterior mandibular repositioning using AdvanSync® (ADV) and Twin Block (TB).

METHODS

A patient with Class II skeletal malocclusion and mandibular retrognathism was selected. A TB appliance was subsequently applied. Computed Tomography (CT) scans were acquired at the beginning of treatment (T1) and 8 months later (T2). Concurrently, a numerical TB model was validated through FEM simulations, which were compared with the T2 results. The ADV appliance was virtually simulated to evaluate stress and deformation on the condyle, symphysis, first lower molar and lower central incisors.

RESULTS

Both simulations demonstrated significant mandibular advancement. However, ADV led to less incisor proclination and more molar intrusion compared to TB. ADV exhibited increased stress in the lower molar area, while TB had higher stress in the lower incisor region. Stress and deformations in the condyle and mandibular symphysis were similar in both simulations, with the highest stress observed at the condylar neck and the lowest at the upper pole of the condylar head.

CONCLUSIONS

Both appliances achieved similar levels of mandibular advancement, with greater proclination of the lower central incisors and more widespread distribution of stress and molar intrusion when using ADV compared to TB.

Comparison of the friction forces delivered by different elastomeric patterns and metal ligature on conventional metal brackets with a NiTi arch wire versus a self-ligating system: An in vitro study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to measure the frictional resistance of different types of ligatures used on conventional and self-ligating brackets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Monoblock (conventional) and Portia (self-ligating) brackets were used and the archwire used was nickel-titanium. On conventional brackets the ligatures tested were the Elastomeric type and steel 0.30 tie-wire. The groups were divided according to the ligature types (n=8): (1) conventional elastomeric ligature; (2) relaxed conventional elastomeric ligature; (3) elastomeric ligature in shape-8; (4) double vertical elastomeric ligatures; (5) double-crossed elastomeric ligatures; (6) crossed ligature; (7) steel wire ligature; and (8) self-ligating ligature (self-ligating bracket). A segment of five brackets, each ligature types, was mounted. The archwire, between the bracket and the ligature, was connected on Instron® Universal test machine to simulate the frictional resistance. The maximum frictional resistance was obtained, and the mean values were submitted to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey's post-hoc test (α=0.05).

RESULTS

The elastomeric ligature in shape-8 showed the highest value compared with other groups (P<0.05). Although the crossed elastomeric ligature presented the lowest mean value and it was not statistically different regarding relaxed conventional elastomeric ligature, steel wire ligature and self-ligating (P≥0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The frictional resistance was influenced by ligature types. Elastomeric Ligature in shape-8 showed the highest frictional force. Crossed Elastomeric Ligature had the lowest frictional force value.

Influence of Hyrax screw position on dental movement and cortical bone: A study of finite elements

BACKGROUND

Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) has effects on the dental and periodontal structures of the parts involved, which vary according to the design and position of the expansion screw. The purpose of the study was to determine the optimal three-dimensional position of the Hyrax screw to obtain precise control of the dental movement and effect on the bone cortex using the finite element method (FEM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

RME was performed from the patient whom two Cone-Beam computerized tomography scans (CBCT) were obtained: T1 before expansion, and T2 three months after stabilization of RME. The FEM model was designed with T1 and of Hyrax photographs. FEM was obtained by comparing the simulation, T2, and clinical results. Three sagittal screw positions (anterior-middle-posterior) and vertical (upper-medium-low) were evaluated.

RESULTS

A coronal- buccal displacement of premolars and first molars was found which decreased in the occlusal-apical direction, presenting different types of dental movement in the screw positions; besides, a tendency of translational movement in the posterior-high location was observed. In the posterior-high position a higher concentration of efforts and homogeneous deformations in the periodontal ligament and vestibular cortex of the cervical area of first molars, first and second premolars were observed, with variations according to the screw position and the distribution of stresses.

CONCLUSIONS

The ideal location of the expansion screw for controlling dental movement and periodontal side effects was the high-posterior position. Key words:Maxillary expansion, dental movement, finite element analysis, orthodontic appliances.

Comparison of frictional resistance between passive self-ligating brackets and slide-type low-friction ligature brackets during the alignment and leveling stage

BACKGROUND

To compare the frictional resistance between passive self-ligating brackets and conventional brackets with low-friction ligature under bracket/archwire and root/bone interface during dental alignment and leveling.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A tridimensional model of the maxilla and teeth of a patient treated with conventional brackets, and slide ligatures was generated employing the SolidWorks modeling software. SmartClip self-ligating brackets and Logic Line conventional brackets were assembled with slide low-friction ligatures, utilizing archwires with different diameters and alloys used for the alignment and leveling stage. Friction caused during the bracket/archwire interface and stress during the bone/root interface were compared through a finite element model.

RESULTS

SmartClip and Logic Line brackets with slide elastomeric low-friction elastomeric ligature showed similar frictional stress values of 0.50 MPa and 0.64 MPa, respectively. Passive self-ligating brackets transmitted a lower load along the periodontal ligament, compared to conventional brackets with a low-friction ligature.

CONCLUSIONS

Slide low-friction elastomeric ligatures showed frictional forces during the bracket/archwire interface similar to those of the SmartClip brackets, while the distribution of stresses and deformations during the root/bone interface were lower in the passive self-ligating brackets. Key words:Orthodontic friction, finite element analysis, orthodontic brackets, orthodontic wires.