Dynamic biomechanical simulation of long-term tooth movement in clear aligners extraction treatment through iterative...

This study aims to propose an iterative finite element method to simulate and analyze the long-term biomechanical responses during space closure in clear aligner therapy (CAT) extraction treatment.

A patient-specific FE model was reconstructed from cone beam computed tomography and intraoral scanning. An innovative algorithm has been developed to automate the generation of CA model sequences for subsequent force loading and to enable dynamic simulation through real-time updates of teeth and periodontal ligament (PDL) positions. Each aligner was simulated in 10 iterations ("micro-cycle"), and the full treatment consisted of 30 aligners with 0.25 mm/step ("macro-cycle").

The algorithm achieved complete space closure. In the macro-cycle, torque control gradually escalated as the extraction gap narrowed, leading to a reversal in the direction of root movement of anterior teeth in the 16th aligner. In the micro-cycle, the initial displacement of the anterior teeth accounts for 36% to 65% of the cumulative displacement, with the contact stress initially distributed evenly across the labial surface of the dental crown, gradually concentrating on the labial cervix and lingual incisal sites.

Changes in contact stress led to altered tooth movement, initially tipping and later torque movements during space closure. Cumulative displacements, rather than initial responses, should represent tooth movement tendency.

The proposed methods can be integrated into existing clinical software platforms and advance precision treatment planning through biomechanical simulation. Based on the biomechanical results, personalized staging strategies and overcorrection can be made to alleviate side effects.