Abstract

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Title:: Three-dimensional finite element analysis of clear aligner for retracting maxillary anterior teeth

Author(s):: LIU Yicong1; FENG Feng2; LI Shuai2; SHANG Yonghui2; GUO Qingyuan2; LIU Wen2; 1. School of Stomatology, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China 2. Department of Orthodontics, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao 266000, China

Keywords:: Keywords: maxillary anterior teeth clear aligner miniscrews implant Power arm biomechanics finite element analysis

Abstract:: Abstract: Objective To investigate the biomechanical characteristics of the clear aligner in retracting the maxillary anterior teeth through finite element analysis. Methods A healthy young volunteer was enrolled in the study, and his CBCT images of maxilla and teeth were obtained for constructing a three-dimensional finite element model of maxillary complex and clear aligner. The teeth displacement trends and periodontal membrane stress distributions in two cases were analyzed. The orthodontic force-controlled tooth root retraction was used in case 1, while orthodontic force-controlled tooth root retraction supplemented with miniscrews implant and Power arm with 150 g traction retraction was adopted in case 2. Results In case 1, the displacement differences of the crown root of anterior teeth were 113.3, 92.2, 128.6 μm, and the maximum periodontal membrane equivalent force was 79.6 kPa. In case 2, the displacement differences were 89.3, 74.3, 184.2 μm, and the maximum periodontal membrane equivalent force was 37.5 kPa. Conclusion Clear aligner with miniscrews implant and Power arm can improve the tendency of tilting movement of maxillary incisors and reduce the risk of root resorption, but the control of canines is insufficient.