A three-dimensional FEM comparison study about the force, displacement and initial stress distribution on the maxillary first molars by the application of various asymmetric head-gear

Kim, Jong Soo; Cha, Dyung Suk; Ju, Jin Won; Lee, Jin Woo

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the force, the displacement and the stress distribution on the maxillary first molars altered by the application of various asymmetric head-gear. For this study, the finite element models of unilateral Cl II maxillary dental arch was made. Also, the finite element models of asymmetric face-bow was made. Three types of asymmetric face-bow were made : each of the right side 15mm, 25mm and 35mm shorter than the left side. We compared the forces, the displacement and the distribution of stress that were generated by application of various asymmetric head-gear. The results were as follows. 1. The total forces that both maxillary first molars received were similar in all groups. But the forces that mesially positioned tooth received were increased as the length of the outer-bow shortened, and the forces that normally positioned tooth received were decreased as the length of the outer-bow shortened. 2. In lateral force comparison, the buccal forces that normally positioned tooth received were increased as the length of the outer-bow shortened, and the buccal forces that mesially positioned tooth received were decreased as the length of the outer-bow shortened. Though the net lateral force moved to the buccal side of normally positioned tooth as the length of the outer-bow shortened, both maxillary first molars received the buccal force. That showed "Archial Expansion Effect" 3. The distal forces, the extrusion forces and the magnitudes of the crown distal tipping that mesially positioned tooth received were increased as the length of the outer-bow shortened, and the forces that normally positioned tooth received were decreased as the length of the outer-bow was shortened. 4. The magnitude of the distal-in rotation that normally positioned tooth received were increased as the length of the outer-bow was shortened. But, mesially positioned tooth show two different results. For the outer-bow 15mm shortened, mesially positioned tooth showed the distal-in rotation, but for the outer-bow 25mm and 35mm shortened, mesially positioned tooth showed the distal-out rotation. Thus, the turning point exists between 15mm and 25mm. 5. This study of the initial stress distribution of the periodontal ligament at slightly inferior of the furcation area revealed that the compressive stress in the distobuccal root of the normally positioned tooth moved from the palatal side to the distal side and the buccal side successively as the length of the outer-bow shortened. 6. This study of the initial stress distribution of the periodontal ligament at slightly inferior of the furcation area revealed that the magnitudes of stress were altered but the total stress distributions were not altered in the mesiobuccal root and the palatal root of normally positioned tooth, and also three roots of mesially positioned tooth as the length of the outer-bow shortened.