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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol.
Sec. Biomechanics
Volume 12 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1496517

Biomechanical effects of different mandibular movements and torque compensations during mandibular advancement with clear aligners: A finite element analysis

Provisionally accepted
Ya Wang Ya Wang Baraa Daraqel Baraa Daraqel Ying Wang Ying Wang Dan Yang Dan Yang Yihan Dong Yihan Dong Yun Hu Yun Hu *Leilei Zheng Leilei Zheng *
  • Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical effects of different mandibular movements and torque compensation during mandibular advancement with clear aligners using finite element analysis. Methods: Models were constructed to include the mandible, teeth, periodontal ligament (PDL), and clear aligners with buccal wings. Five oral muscles (superficial masseter, deep masseter, medial temporalis, posterior temporalis, and medial pterygoid) were represented as springs. Muscle values were measured and applied during different mandibular movements, including advancement distances (1-7 mm) and occlusal opening distances (2-4 mm). Different torque compensation angles (0°, 1°, 2°, and 3°) were applied to the mandibular central incisor. Results: When the mandibular advancement was equal to or slightly excessed the occlusal opening distance, stress on the posterior PDL decreased and became more evenly distributed. Increasing the occlusal opening distance significantly raised stress on the posterior PDL and caused grater labial inclination of the mandibular anterior teeth. As the torque compensation increased, the labial inclination of the mandibular central incisor decreased, but stress on the PDL increased. Nearly complete bodily movement of the lower central incisor was achieved with torque compensation angles of approximately 15°, 19°, and 20° in models M1-2, M2-3, and M3-4, respectively. Conclusion: To maintain periodontal health during mandibular advancement, it is recommended that the mandibular advancement distance be equal to or slightly excessed the occlusal opening distance. Excessive occlusal opening distance increases stress on the posterior PDL and the labial inclination of mandibular anterior teeth, requiring careful control. Additionally, proper torque control of the mandibular interior teeth is crucial for optimal outcomes.

    Keywords: Finite Element Analysis1, clear aligner2, mandibular advancement3, torque compensation4, early orthodontic treatment5

    Received: 14 Sep 2024; Accepted: 31 Oct 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Wang, Daraqel, Wang, Yang, Dong, Hu and Zheng. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence:
    Yun Hu, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
    Leilei Zheng, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China

    Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.