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Author Spotlight: 3D Movement Assessment of Maxillary Posterior Teeth in Clear Aligner Treatment
Published on: February 23, 2024
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Maxillary molar distalization treated with clear aligners combined with mini-implants and angel button using
Jiayu Cui1, Chengliang Yao1, Zheyuan Zhang1
1Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Stomatological Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, China.
Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering
|March 20, 2023
Summary
Clear aligner therapy with mini-implants and elastics can prevent anterior tooth movement during molar distalization. Increasing elastic force reduces unwanted labial tipping and stress on anterior teeth.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Biomechanics
- Dental Materials
Background:
- Clear aligner therapy (CAT) is a popular orthodontic treatment.
- Molar distalization is a common orthodontic procedure.
- Controlling unwanted tooth movement is crucial in orthodontics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the biomechanical effects of molar distalization using CAT with interradicular mini-implants (IRMIs) and varying elastic forces.
- To analyze the influence of elastic forces on anterior tooth movement and stress distribution.
Main Methods:
- Finite element (FE) models of the maxilla, dentition, periodontal ligaments, attachments, and aligners were constructed.
- Three groups were defined based on the sagittal position of IRMIs.
- Varying elastic forces (0 N, 1 N, 1.5 N, 2 N) were applied to simulate treatment.
Main Results:
- Clear aligner therapy without elastics resulted in labial tipping and intrusion of anterior teeth.
- Increasing elastic forces progressively decreased labial tipping of anterior teeth.
- Higher elastic forces led to a reduction in von Mises stress on the maxillary anterior teeth.
Conclusions:
- Interradicular mini-implants combined with clear aligner therapy and elastic forces offer a biomechanically sound system for molar distalization.
- Elastic force is a critical factor in controlling anterior tooth movement and stress during CAT-assisted molar distalization.
