Optimization of unilateral overjet management: three-dimensional analysis by the finite element method

The main goal of this research was to introduce, evaluate, and mathematically optimize the treatment procedure of unilateral overjet cases. Patients with Class II subdivision malocclusions usually reach a point with canines in a Class I position, and a unilateral overjet remains to be treated at the next stage of treatment. This study tried to prepare an archwire design that combines the midline-shift correction and the unilateral overjet reduction simultaneously. The analyses of displacements were carried out by the finite element method. The upper dental arch was designed three-dimensionally. Three archwire designs that were thought to be useful in these cases were modeled and engaged the dental-arch model separately. Three-dimensional displacements of the mesio- and distoincisolabial point angles of each incisor were assessed. Shortcomings of each design concerning the main treatment objectives were eliminated by optimization. Modeling and optimization of wire ligation methods were the last phase of this study. The use of an archwire containing a closed vertical loop with a helix distal to the lateral incisor on the affected (excess overjet) side and an open vertical loop without a helix distal to the lateral incisor on the normal side (normal overjet) while lacing the four incisors can be suggested as an optimum procedure to treat a unilateral overjet that is combined with a midline shift. The archwire cross-section depends on the initial position of the incisors. This mechanotherapy can be prescribed for both dental arches.