Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the deformation of the human mandible: a preliminary study from the perspective of orthodontic mini-implant stability.

Objective: The aims of this study were to investigate mandibular deformation under clenching and to estimate its effect on the stability of orthodontic mini-implants (OMI).

Methods: Three finite element models were constructed using computed tomography (CT) images of 3 adults with different mandibular plane angles (A, low; B, average; and C, high). An OMI was placed between #45 and #46 in each model.

Effective en-masse retraction design with orthodontic mini-implant anchorage: a finite element analysis.

Introduction: The strategic design of an appliance for correcting a bialveolar protrusion by using orthodontic mini-implant anchorage and sliding mechanics must take into account the position and height of the mini-implant, the height of the anterior retraction hook and compensating curve, and midline vertical traction. In this study, we used finite element analysis to examine effective en-masse retraction with orthodontic mini-implant anchorage and sought to identify a better combination of the above factors.

Methods: Base models were constructed from a dental study model.

A comparative evaluation of different compensating curves in the lingual and labial techniques using 3D FEM.

Because adults dislike the visibility of orthodontic appliances, the use of the lingual orthodontic technique has increased over time. But few studies compare tooth movement of the lingual technique with that of the labial technique. In this study, human mandibular left teeth were aligned, and a 3-dimensional finite element model was made (consisting of 19382 nodes and 12150 elements).