Finite element analysis of equine incisor teeth. Part 2: Investigation of stresses and strain energy densities in the periodontal ligament and surrounding bone during tooth movement

Finite element analysis studies have been of interest in the field of orthodontics and this is due to the ability to study the stress in the bone, periodontal ligament (PDL), teeth and the displacement in the bone by using this method. Our study aimed to present a method that determines the effect of applying orthodontic forces in bodily direction on a healthy and reduced periodontium and to demonstrate the utility of finite element analysis. Using the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of a patient with a healthy and reduced periodontium, we modeled the geometric construction of the contour of the elements necessary for the study. Afterwards, we applied a force of 1 N and a force of 0.8 N in order to achieve bodily movement and to analyze the stress in the bone, in the periodontal ligament and the absolute displacement. The analysis of the applied forces showed that a minimal ligament thickness is correlated with the highest value of the maximum stress in the PDL and a decreased displacement. This confirms the results obtained in previous clinical practice, confirming the validity of the simulation. During orthodontic tooth movement, the morphology of the teeth and of the periodontium should be taken into account. The effect of orthodontic forces on a particular anatomy could be studied using FEA, a method that provides real data. This is necessary for proper treatment planning and its particularization depends on the patient’s particular situation.

Download Full-text

Stress Distribution Evaluation of the Periodontal Ligament in the Maxillary Canine for Retraction by Different Alveolar Corticotomy Techniques: A Three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis

The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice ◽

10.5005/jp-journals-10024-1799 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 32-37 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Ariel Adriano Reyes Pacheco ◽

Armando Yukio Saga ◽

Key Fonseca de Lima ◽

Victor Nissen Paese

Keyword(s):

Finite Element Analysis ◽

Finite Element ◽

Stress Distribution ◽

Cortical Bone ◽

Periodontal Ligament ◽

Tooth Movement ◽

Geometric Model ◽

Maxillary Canine ◽

Element Analysis ◽

Canine Retraction

ABSTRACT Aim By using the finite element method (FEM), this study aimed to evaluate the effect of different corticotomy formats on the distribution and magnitude of stress on the periodontal ligament (PDL) during retraction of the maxillary canine. Materials and methods A geometric model of the left hemi-jaw was created from computed tomography scan images of a dry human skull and loads were administered during distalization movement of the canine. Three trials were performed: (1) without corticotomy, (2) box-shaped corticotomy and perforations in the cortical bone of the canine (CVC) and (3) CVC and circularshaped corticotomy in the cortical bone of the edentulous space of the first premolar. Results There was no difference in stress distribution among the different corticotomy formats. Conclusion Different corticotomy formats used to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement did not affect stress distribution in the PDL during canine retraction. Clinical significance From a mechanical perspective, the present study showed that the stress distribution on the PDL during canine retraction was similar in all the corticotomy formats. When using the Andrews T2 bracket, the PDL presented the highest levels of stress in the middle third of the PDL, suggesting that the force was near the center of resistance. Also, as bone weakening by corticotomies did not influence stress distribution, the surgical procedure could be simplified to a less aggressive one, focusing more on inflammatory cellular stimulation than on bone resistance. A simpler surgical act could also be performed by most orthodontists in their practices, enhancing postoperative response and reducing patient costs. How to cite this article Pacheco AAR, Saga AY, de Lima KF, Paese VN, Tanaka OM. Stress Distribution Evaluation of the Periodontal Ligament in the Maxillary Canine for Retraction by Different Alveolar Corticotomy Techniques: A Threedimensional Finite Element Analysis. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(1):32-37.

Download Full-text