Effects of clear aligner edentulous space design on distal canine movement: An iterative finite element analysis in cases involving extraction
- Author:
Seung Eun BAEK
1
;
Kiyean KIM
;
Youn-Kyung CHOI
;
Sung-Hun KIM
;
Seong-Sik KIM
;
Ki Beom KIM
;
Yong-Il KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:The Korean Journal of Orthodontics 2025;55(3):193-201
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:Using finite element method (FEM) analysis of a clear aligner (CA), this study aimed to investigate the effects of varying the edentulous space on canine distal bodily movement during space closure following maxillary first premolar extraction.
Methods:FEM analysis was used to simulate distal canine bodily movement following maxillary first premolar extraction using CAs. Four CA designs for edentulous spaces were compared: no-pontic, full-pontic, halfpontic, and beam. Three-dimensional models of the tooth components and CA were created. The target was set at a 0.25-mm distal canine movement. Long-term tooth movement was simulated using an iterative calculation method.
Results:All the groups initially showed crown displacement, distal tipping, and distal rotation.Over time, the movement patterns differed in relation to the design. The no-pontic design exhibited the greatest displacement and tipping. The beam design exhibited the largest initial displacement but showed the lowest displacement and tipping thereafter. Full- and half-pontic designs yielded intermediate results. Significant force reduction was observed immediately after CA application, and was followed by a gradual decrease. The mean tooth-movement achievement rate was approximately 76.7%.
Conclusions:The edentulous space design of the CA substantially affected tooth-movement behavior. An iterative simulation is necessary to evaluate longterm tooth-movement patterns. The beam design demonstrated optimal suitability for bodily movement with minimal tipping. For optimal results, additional setup or overcorrection may be necessary.
