Effect of the bracketless orthodontics technique and resin composite material on the biomechanical response of the upper central incisor: 3D finite element analysis

The bracketless orthodontic treatment (BOT) is an alternative technique which indicates using an orthodontic appliance composed of wires and composite resin assisted by 3D technology. However, the biomechanical response of central incisor orthodontic movement has yet to be investigated. Thus, the aim of the present investigation was to calculate the stress magnitude in central incisor movement through 3D finite element analysis using different wire diameters (0.012”, 0.014”, and 0.016”) of nickel–titanium wire and two different resin composites (Opallis and Filtek). A 3D volume composed of enamel, dentin, cortical bone, cancellous bone, periodontal ligament, composite resin, and different orthodontic wire diameters was designed. After the modeling process, the models were exported to computer-aided engineering software divided into a finite number of elements, and a mechanical structural static analysis was conducted. The stress results were plotted on colorimetric maps and in tables for comparison between the different models. The results showed that the central incisor orthodontic movement with BOT does not induce damage to the periodontal ligament, dental root, or bone tissue, regardless of the simulated orthodontic wire diameter and resin composite materials. The palatal composite resin and orthodontic wire also presented acceptable stress magnitude during orthodontic movement. Thus, the BOT technique promoted a suitable biomechanical response during central incisor movement regardless the resin composite.