BMC Oral Health (Feb 2021)

Dual-section versus conventional archwire for en-masse retraction of anterior teeth with direct skeletal anchorage: a finite element analysis

  • Ryo Hamanaka,
  • Daniele Cantarella,
  • Luca Lombardo,
  • Lorena Karanxha,
  • Massimo Del Fabbro,
  • Giuseppe Siciliani,
  • Noriaki Yoshida

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-021-01443-0
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 21, no. 1
pp. 1 – 8

Abstract

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Abstract Background The aim of this study is to compare the biomechanical effects of the conventional 0.019 × 0.025-in stainless steel archwire with the dual-section archwire when en-masse retraction is performed with sliding mechanics and skeletal anchorage. Methods Models of maxillary dentition equipped with the 0.019 × 0.025-in archwire and the dual-section archwire, whose anterior portion is 0.021 × 0.025-in and posterior portion is 0.018 × 0.025-in were constructed. Then, long-term tooth movement during en-masse retraction was simulated using the finite element method. Power arms of 8, 10, 12 and 14 mm length were employed to control anterior torque, and retraction forces of 2 N were applied with a direct skeletal anchorage. Results For achieving bodily movement of the incisors, power arms longer than 14 mm were required for the 0.019 × 0.025-in archwire, while between 8 and 10 mm for the dual-section archwire. The longer the power arms, the greater the counter-clockwise rotation of the occlusal plane was produced. Frictional resistance generated between the archwire and brackets and tubes on the posterior teeth was smaller than 5% of the retraction force of 2 N. Conclusions The use of dual-section archwire might bring some biomechanical advantages as it allows to apply retraction force at a considerable lower height, and with a reduced occlusal plane rotation, compared to the conventional archwire. Clinical studies are needed to confirm the present results.

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