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Anterior Teeth Splinting After Orthodontic Treatment: 3D Analysis Using Finite Element Method
A Geramy1, J M Retrouvey, F Sobuti
1Professor, Department of Orthodontic, Dental Faculty of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ; Professor, Department of Orthodontic, Dental Faculty of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Journal of Dentistry (Tehran, Iran)
|October 16, 2012
Summary
Orthodontic splints, using round or rectangular wires, can help redistribute stress on teeth during biting and lateral movements. This biomechanical analysis shows potential benefits for retention after orthodontic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Biomechanics
- Dental Materials
Background:
- Retention is crucial post-orthodontic treatment.
- Splints offer an alternative to removable retainers.
- Biomechanical assessment of splinting is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To biomechanically assess the effects of fixed lingual retainers (splints).
- To evaluate stress distribution in the mandibular anterior segment with different retainer wire types.
Main Methods:
- Three-dimensional finite element models of the mandibular anterior segment were created.
- Models included six anterior teeth with supporting tissues, with and without bonded lingual fixed retainers (round and rectangular wires).
- Vertical forces were applied to incisors, and periodontal ligament (PDL) stress and tooth displacements were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Biting with four incisors increased central incisor stress after splinting (round: 4.57 MPa, rectangular: 16.66 MPa).
- Biting with two incisors decreased stress after splinting (round: 1.7 MPa, rectangular: 1.77 MPa).
- Lateral movement increased stress in most teeth, except the working side canine.
Conclusions:
- Splinting with round or rectangular wires aids stress redistribution.
- Benefits observed during biting of small food particles and lateral movements.
- Fixed lingual retainers show biomechanical advantages in specific scenarios.
