The purpose of this study was to photoelastically visualize the distribution of forces transmitted to the alveolus and surrounding structures using three different types of headgear for the distal movement of the upper molars. A photoelastic maxillary model was made and three different directional forces applied, which were high-pull, straight- pull, and cervical-pull. Stress distribution was recorded through circular polariscope, and two-dimensional photoelastic stress analysis was performed according to isochromatic fringe characteristics. The results were as follows: 1. In the case of high-pull headgear, bodily movement occurred in the medium-length outer bow, stress distribution in the apical region was 1st molar, 2nd premolar, 1st premolar in sequence and there was no apparent difference. 2. In the case of straight-pull headgear, bodily movement occurred in the long outer bow and stress distribution in the apical region was heavy in the 1st molar, 2nd premolar, 1st premolar in sequence. But, there were no apparent differences according to the length of the outer bow. 3. In the case of cervical-pull headgear, bodily movement also occurred in the long outer bow, and apical stress of the premolar region was heaviest among other cases and apical stress of the 2nd premolar was heaviest in the short outer bow. In clinical situations, to achieve bodily movement of the upper 1st molars without modifying outer bow height, applying an outer bow length as long as the inner bow length in high-pull headgear and applying an outer bow length longer than the inner bow length in straight-pull, cervical-pull headgear are recommended.
Bicuspid ; Molar*