Three-dimensional finite element analysis on reciprocal action by torque application in maxillary archwire

Hwang, Chee Il; Suhr, Cheong Hoon

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the reciprocal movement which was derived form application of active torque in ideal arch wire by computer-aided three-dimensional finite element analysis of maxillary teeth and surrounding periodontal ligament composed of 2617 elements and 3725 nodes. Ideal arch wire model was also made using the beam elements and the contact between the wire and the bracket slot was made using the gap element. In this study non-linear elastic behaviors of contact between the wire and the bracket slot were considered on. We put the active torque between the lateral and central incisor and between the second premolar and the first molar with/without cinch-back. The results were expressed by quantitative and visible ways. The findings of this study were as follows: 1. Reciprocal actions to active torque were complex system consisting of a combination of counter-torque, bucco-lingual linear displacement and tipping, rotation of the teeth, occluso-gingival linear displacement. 2. When active anterior crown labial torque was applied, crown labial tippings of the lateral were the greatest, and those of the central incisor was the next. Crown lingual tippings of the canine and the first premolar, mesial rotations and extrusion of the lateral and distal rotations and intrusion of the canine occurred. When anterior torque with the cinch-back was applied, amount of crown labial tippings of the lateral and central incisor were reduced. Amount of crown lingual tipping of the canine and the first premolar were increased. Mesial tippings and mesial rotations of the second molar occurred. 3. When active posterior crown lingual torque was applied, crown lingual tippings of the first molar were the greatest, and crown labial tippings of the second premolar and the first premolar were the next, the crown lingual tipping of the second molar were a little. Mesial rotations of the second premolar occurred but those of the first premolar didn't occurred.