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Published on: October 20, 2023
Effects of Class II activator and Class II activator high-pull headgear combination on the mandible: a 3-dimensional
Cağri Ulusoy1, Nilüfer Darendeliler
1Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. culusoy77@hotmail.com
Introduction:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Class II activator and the Class II activator high-pull headgear (HG) combination on the mandible with 3-dimensional (3D) finite element stress analysis.
Methods:
A 3D finite element model of the mandible was constructed from a dry human mandible. To investigate the effects of the Class II activator, a 3D model of the lower part of this appliance was constructed and fixed on the mandibular model. The Class II activator high-pull headgear model was established as described, and an extraoral traction force of 350 g was directed from the middle of the Class II activator to the top of the mandibular condyle. The stress regions were studied with the finite element method.
Results:
The regions near the muscle attachment areas were affected the most. The inner part of the coronoid process and the gonial area had the maximum stress values.
Conclusions:
Both functional appliances can cause morphologic changes on the mandible by activating the masticatory muscles to change the growth direction.
