An evaluation of the quality of orthodontic attachment offered by single- and double-mesh bracket bases using the finite element method of stress analysis.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of bracket base mesh geometry on the stresses generated in the bracket-cement-tooth continuum by a shear/peel load case. A validated three-dimensional finite element model of the bracket-cement-tooth system was constructed consisting of 15,324 nodes and 2971 finite elements. Cement geometric and physical properties were held constant and bracket base geometry was varied, representing a variety of single-mesh configurations and 1 double-mesh design. For the single-mesh designs, increasing wire diameter (100-400 microm) resulted in a decrease in enamel and cement stresses. Increases in wire mesh spacing (200-750 microm) increased the major principal stress recorded in the enamel and adhesive at all wire diameters. Within the bracket, the major principal stress increased significantly at wire spacing above 400-500 microm. However, within the impregnated wire mesh (IWM), the major principal stress decreased as wire space increased. When the double-mesh bracket base was considered, the combined mesh layers resulted in a decrease in the stresses recorded in the most superficial (coarse) mesh layer and an increase in the stresses recorded in the deepest (fine mesh) layer when compared with the single-layer designs in isolation. Modification of single-mesh spacing and wire diameter influences the magnitude and distribution of stresses within the bracket-cement-tooth continuum. The use of a double-mesh design results in a reduction in the stresses recorded in the most superficial mesh. Mesh design influenced stress distribution in this study, primarily by determining the flexibility of the bracket base.
Knox
J
J
Department of Dental Health and Development, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, UK. Knoxj@cardiff.ac.uk
Kralj
B
B
Hubsch
P
P
Middleton
J
J
Jones
M L
ML
D001641:Bicuspid / Q000502:physiology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003722:Dental Alloys / Q000737:chemistry; D001840:Dental Bonding; D003738:Dental Cements / Q000737:chemistry; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000502:physiology; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D018583:Pliability; D013193:Stainless Steel / Q000737:chemistry; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D013718:Tensile Strength
D003722:Dental Alloys; D003738:Dental Cements; D013193:Stainless Steel