Clear aligners for maxillary anterior en masse retraction: a 3D finite element study

To evaluate tooth behaviours under various maxillary incisor retraction protocols for clear aligner therapy. A three-dimensional finite element model of maxillary dentition was constructed for first premolar extraction. A loading method was developed to mimic the mode of action of clear aligners for incisor en masse retraction. Three protocols with different amounts of retraction and intrusion on incisors were designed. Initial tooth displacements and stresses on periodontal ligaments were analysed with ANSYS software. The central (U₁) and lateral (U₂) incisors exhibited uncontrolled lingual tipping and extrusion upon 0.25 mm retraction. U1 exhibited translation movement, while U₂ underwent less tipping during 0.2 mm retraction and 0.15 mm intrusion. Labial tipping and intrusion of U₁ and bodily intrusion of U₂ were observed during 0.1 mm of retraction and 0.23 mm of intrusion. With the additional intrusion on incisors, canine showed extrusion movement, and higher stresses on periodontal ligaments were shifted from U₂ to canines. Incisors also exhibited different mesial-distal angulation in the three simulations, while posterior teeth all suffered mesial inclination. Incorporating intrusion displacement in clear aligners led to a tendency of lingual root movement during incisor retraction. The complexity of tooth movement should be recognized regarding clear aligner therapy.