Three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis Among Lingual Bracket With Different Slot Lengths And The Best Inclination Performance

ObjectiveThe present study was aimed to analyze the biomechanical influence on maxillary central incisors using personalized lingual brackets with different slot lengths to correct their inclination.MethodsSelect a standard upper right central incisor and its periodontal tissues as the modeling material. Combining CBCT scan technology,3-D (three-dimensional) image generating/editing software and 3-D finite element analyzing software, establish four 3-D finite element models including four kinds of lingual brackets with different slot lengths (2.8 mm,4.2 mm,5.6 mm,6.3 mm), inclined upper right central incisor, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, lingual archwire Process the models with methods such as generating quadrangular meshes, setting the material mechanics parameters and constrainting the experiment condition to optimize them. Applying forces to simulate the clinical condition of correcting incisor’s inclination, analyze the displacement of teeth and the equivalent stress on periodontal ligament.Results1.Established four 3-D FEMs including four kinds of lingual brackets with different slot lengths (2.8 mm,4.2 mm,5,6 mm,6.3 mm), inclined upper right central incisor, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone and 0.018 inches×0.018 inches TMA lingual archwire.2.The bracket with 6.3 mm slot length resulted in maximum displacement of teeth and maximum equivalent stress on periodontal ligament but still within the scope of safety.Conclusions1. The models we built have highly geometrical and mechanical similarity to the entities and meet the requirements of the experiment as well.2. Among four groups of brackets with different slot lengths, the bracket with 6.3 mm slot length provides the best inclination force.