A biomechanical case study on the optimal orthodontic force on the maxillary canine tooth based on finite element analysis.

Jian-lei WU; Yun-feng Liu; Wei Peng; Hui-yue Dong; Jian-xing Zhang

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A biomechanical case study on the optimal orthodontic force on the maxillary canine tooth based on finite element analysis.

Author: Jian-Lei WU ¹ ; Yun-Feng LIU ¹ ; Wei PENG ¹ ; Hui-Yue DONG ² ; Jian-Xing ZHANG ³
Author Information

1. Key Laboratory of E&M (Zhejiang University of Technology), Ministry of Education & Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310014, China.
2. Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
3. Department of Stomatology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014, China.
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Biomechanics; Optimal orthodontic force; Finite element analysis; Periodontal ligament
MeSH: Biomechanical Phenomena; Computer Simulation; Cuspid; anatomy & histology; physiology; Dental Models; Finite Element Analysis; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Maxilla; Orthodontic Friction; physiology; Periodontal Ligament; physiology; Rotation; Stress, Mechanical; Tooth Movement Techniques; statistics & numerical data
From: Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2018;19(7):535-546
CountryChina
Language:English
Abstract: Excessive forces may cause root resorption and insufficient forces would introduce no effect in orthodontics. The objective of this study was to investigate the optimal orthodontic forces on a maxillary canine, using hydrostatic stress and logarithmic strain of the periodontal ligament (PDL) as indicators. Finite element models of a maxillary canine and surrounding tissues were developed. Distal translation/tipping forces, labial translation/tipping forces, and extrusion forces ranging from 0 to 300 g (100 g=0.98 N) were applied to the canine, as well as the force moment around the canine long axis ranging from 0 to 300 g·mm. The stress/strain of the PDL was quantified by nonlinear finite element analysis, and an absolute stress range between 0.47 kPa (capillary pressure) and 12.8 kPa (80% of human systolic blood pressure) was considered to be optimal, whereas an absolute strain exceeding 0.24% (80% of peak strain during canine maximal moving velocity) was considered optimal strain. The stress/strain distributions within the PDL were acquired for various canine movements, and the optimal orthodontic forces were calculated. As a result the optimal tipping forces (40-44 g for distal-direction and 28-32 g for labial-direction) were smaller than the translation forces (130-137 g for distal-direction and 110-124 g for labial-direction). In addition, the optimal forces for labial-direction motion (110-124 g for translation and 28-32 g for tipping) were smaller than those for distal-direction motion (130-137 g for translation and 40-44 g for tipping). Compared with previous results, the force interval was smaller than before and was therefore more conducive to the guidance of clinical treatment. The finite element analysis results provide new insights into orthodontic biomechanics and could help to optimize orthodontic treatment plans.