Evaluation of the stresses generated by altering the bracket mesh base design in the bracket-cement-tooth continuum using the finite element method of stress analysis.

Aim: To analyze the influence of bracket base mesh geometry on the stresses generated in the tooth-cement-bracket continuum by a shear/peel load case and to compare the stress generated by three different loads (masticatory, peel, and twisting) on the bracket mesh base by employing a three-dimensional (3D) finite element computer model.

Methods: A validated 3D finite element model of the bracket-cement-tooth system was constructed consisting of 40,536 nodes and 49,201 finite elements.

Results: An increase in the diameter of the bracket mesh base wire resulted in a decrease in the stress at the enamel and cement.