Stress distribution and deformation in six tie wings Orthodontic bracket during simulated tipping - A finite element analysis

Anchorage effects of ligation and direct occlusion in orthodontics: A finite element analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

During orthodontic treatment, the figure-of-eight ligature and the physiological occlusion play an important role in providing anchorage effects. However, their effects on reaction forces of tooth and stress state in periodontal ligament (PDL) have not been quantitatively evaluated yet. In this study, we presented a finite element analysis process for simulating posterior molar ligature and direct occlusion during orthodontics in order to quantitatively assess their anchorage effects.

METHODS

A high precision 3D biomechanical model containing upper and lower teeth, PDL, brackets and archwire was generated from the images of computed tomographic scan and sophisticated modelling procedures. The orthodontic treatment of closing the extraction gap was simulated via the finite element method to evaluate the biomechanical response of the molars under the conditions with or without ligation. The simulations were divided into experimental and control groups. In the experimental group, orthodontic force of 1 N was first applied, then direct occlusal forces of 3 and 10 N were applied on each opposite tooth. While in the control group, occlusal forces were applied without orthodontic treatment. The tooth displacement, the stress state in the PDL and the directions of the resultant forces on each tooth were evaluated.

RESULTS

In the case of molars ligated, the maximum hydrostatic stress in the molars' PDL decreases by 60%. When an initial tooth displacement of several microns occurs in response to an orthodontic force, the direction of the occlusal force changes simultaneously. Even a moderate occlusal force (3 N per tooth) can almost completely offset the mesial forces on the maxillary teeth, thus to provide effective anchorage effect for the orthodontics.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed method is effective for simulating ligation and direct occlusion. Figure-of-eight ligature can effectively disperse orthodontic forces on the posterior teeth, while a good original occlusal relationship provides considerable anchorage effects in orthodontics.

Biomechanical Characteristics of Maxillary Molar Distalization Using Different Attachments with Clear Aligners: A 3-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis

This study aimed to compare the biomechanical characteristics of maxillary teeth in molar distalization with different orthodontic attachments. A 3-dimensional finite model of maxillary molar distalization with clear aligners was generated by computed tomography and contained different components. Four models—non-attachment (model A), horizontal rectangular attachment (model B), vertical rectangular attachment (model C), and combined attachment (model D)—were set up. The modalities of molar distalization were simulated using a finite element analysis. The results showed that the minimum displacement (rotation center) of the second molar in models A and B was located at the root furcation. In model C, the minimum displacement was located in the middle third of the palatal root. In model D, the minimum displacement was located at the apical third of the root. The anchorage teeth in all the four groups tended to have mesial tipping movement. Models B and D had more uniform stress distribution of the periodontal ligament than models A and C. Models with attachment had a larger tooth displacement pattern than that without attachment. Collectively, if molar distalization is planned before treatment, the appropriate application of attachments can help achieve the desired tooth movements more efficiently.