Evaluation of Stresses Generated with Two Different Self-Ligating Orthodontic Bracket Systems - A Finite Element Analysis.

Aim: To determine stresses generated in the posterior teeth region by two different self-ligating systems, 3M Unitek SmartClip and Damon Q Self-ligating brackets, using the finite element method (FEM).

Methodology: Computed tomography (CT) scan of maxilla was taken using Mimics software, and the Dicom data were imported into Hypermesh 13.0 software to convert it into a geometric model and then into FEM.