Force systems developed by six different cantilever configurations.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the force systems developed by cantilevers with different configurations during incisor intrusion.


METHODS
A two-dimensional Finite Element model. SETTING AND SAMPLE STUDIED: Laboratories of the Department of Orthodontics, Royal Dental College, Aarhus University, Denmark. The materials studied comprised cantilevers made of 0.017" x 0.025" TMA wire.


METHODS
Vertical activation of the six different modelled cantilever configurations.


METHODS
Force level and direction during activation and deactivation analysed at the point of force application.


RESULTS
The force direction was dependent on the configuration of the cantilever. Only the cantilevers with a curvature produced combined retraction and intrusion forces. All other configurations resulted in combined protrusion and intrusion, which reversed into retraction and intrusion, according to the variations in deactivation.


CONCLUSIONS
The choice of correct cantilever configuration is important when selecting the mechanics of intrusion for a particular patient.
Dalstra
M
M
Department of Orthodontics, Royal Dental College, Aarhus University, Denmark. orthodpt@aau.dk
Melsen
B
B
D003799:Dental Stress Analysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000628:therapy*; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009969:Orthodontic Wires / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014025:Titanium; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D014025:Titanium