Stress Analysis of Two Different Methods of Total Maxillary Arch Distalization With 3d Printed Clear Aligners (Finite Element Modeling Study).

Yousry, Monika E; Refai, Wael M; Abd EL-Hameed, Ahmed N

doi:10.21608/eos.2025.353371.1134

Stress Analysis of Two Different Methods of Total Maxillary Arch Distalization With 3d Printed Clear Aligners (Finite Element Modeling Study).

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Demonstrator in Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Assuit University

² Department of orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.

³ lectureer at Orthodontic department, faculty of dentistry, Minya university

10.21608/eos.2025.353371.1134

Abstract

Abstract:
Objective:
this study aims to examine the stress distribution and displacement along the Y and Z axes in two different models—one utilizing an infrazygomatic miniscrew and the other using a maxillary tuberosity miniscrew—during total arch distalization with 3d printed aligners using three-dimensional finite element analysis.
Materials and methods :
A finite element model was developed, incorporating periodontal ligament, dentition, and alveolar bone. Two models were designed with infrazygomatic and maxillary tuberosity miniscrews. A 350 g force was applied from a 3D-printed aligner button to the miniscrews, simulating elastics. Stress distributions and displacements in the total arch were analyzed.
Results: The stresses progressively decreased from the anterior to the posterior regions in both models. Particularly, the highest stresses were observed in the laterals and canines near the built-in aligner button, (1.38,1.52 )in model A to (1.22,1.73) in model B respectively .all teeth in model A showed intrusion and palatal tendency while in model B anterior teeth showed extrusion while posterior teeth showed intrusion and all teeth showed uncontrolled tipping by palatal crown movement and labial root apices movement .
Conclusion: Screw positioning and angulation critically impact tooth movement and occlusal plane rotation. Alignment of the force line with the center of resistance enables translational movement, while positioning below it and parallel to the occlusal plane generates a clockwise moment, beneficial in specific cases.

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