Comparative finite element analysis of bracket deformation in tie wings and slot region during simulated torque.

Introduction: Torque in orthodontics is the activation of the archwire for the third-order movement of teeth. During this force transfer mechanism from the twisted archwire, the bracket is prone to deformation. This study aimed to compare the deformation in tie wings and the slot region of the bracket during torque using finite element analysis.

Methods: Three-dimensionally modeled 0.017 × 0.025-in and 0.019 × 0.025-in stainless steel (SS) and titanium molybdenum alloy archwires were assembled in 0.018-in and 0.022-in solid modeled SS edgewise brackets, respectively. The finite element model of the bracket-archwire combinations was developed with contact boundary conditions. The deformation between tie wings and the slot was analyzed for various angles of twist.

Results: For SS archwires at 30° angle of twist, the tie wings deformation in 0.018-in and 0.022-in brackets were 48.67 μm and 34.87 μm, respectively. The slot deformations of 0.018-in and 0.022-in brackets were 66.33 μm and 45.69 μm, respectively. Similarly, the amount of deformation in the bracket-titanium molybdenum alloy archwire combinations were also presented.

Conclusions: The slot deformation was more than the tie wings deformation as the slot walls bear the immediate torque force. Thus, orthodontic researchers should know that the torque-relevant bracket deformation should ideally be evaluated in the slot region rather than the tie wings.