A 3D Finite Element Analysis of biomechanical effects on teeth and bone during true intrusion of posteriors using miniscrews

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the biomechanical effects and stresses on bone, PDL, cementum and displacement along X-,Y- and Z-axis during true intrusion of molars using mini-implants with finite element analysis; the secondary objective of the study was to find out the best method for posterior intrusion in clinical practice.

Material and methods

A 3D finite element method was used to simulate true molar intrusion using sliding mechanics. Two groups were made, with mini-implants placed on buccal side and palatal side with a cap splint for MODEL1, and a single mini-implant placed buccally with transpalatal arch (TPA) for MODEL2. The material characteristics which include the Young's modulus and Poison's ratio were assigned. von Mises stress, principal stress on PDL and alveolar bone, displacements in all the 3 planes were determined.

Results

Bone stress patterns showed compressive stresses on the buccal aspect and tensile stresses on the palatal aspect for both MODELS. Stresses in the PDL and cementum were mainly concentrated in the apex region, with a more uniform distribution of stresses for MODEL 1. Tooth displacement showed true intrusion for both MODELS, i.e. the Z axis, and a more controlled buccal tipping for MODEL 1.

Conclusion

Of the modalities compared, the best controlled tooth movements for posterior intrusion in the treatment of open bite were obtained with mini-implants placed with a cap splint (MODEL 1).