OBJECTIVEThis study aims to analyze the biomechanical effects of four sutures that are related to maxillary growth during a maxillary protraction treatment cycle based on labiolingual appliance.

METHODSA three-dimensional simulation of labiolingual appliance was performed based on a three-dimensional finite-element maxillofacial model combined with solid-modeled sutures.

RESULTSThe displacement and stress distributions were calculated. The labiolingual appliance was suitable for patients with underbites or deep overbites. Sutura frontomaxillaris and sutura zygomaticomaxillaris were vital to the forward displacement and counterclockwise rotation of the maxillary. The changes in sutura zygomaticotemporalis and sutura palatine were not significant.

CONCLUSIONThe influences of the labiolingual appliance on the sutures during the treatment cycle of maxillary protraction can be effectively simulated by the three-dimensional finite-element maxillofacial model.