Stability of zygomatic plate-screw orthodontic anchorage system: a finite element analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the biomechanical properties of a standard and a newly designed plate-screw orthodontic anchorage system.


METHODS
A three-dimensional model of the posterior maxilla, including the zygomatic buttress region, was prepared. Insertion of standard and newly designed plates was simulated on the three-dimensional model. The effect of 200 g of orthodontic force on the plate, screws, and zygomatic bone was evaluated in three-dimensional models by finite element analysis. To determine the force distribution, Von Mises stress, principal maximum and minimum stress, and principal maximum and minimum elastic strain values were evaluated.


RESULTS
In all plate models the highest stresses occurred on the threaded bone site where the force application unit was attached.


CONCLUSIONS
Changing the plate configuration did not affect the stress distribution in the newly designed plates. To equalize the force distribution, new plate designs that change the location of the force application unit are required.
Veziroglu
Firdevs
F
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey. fveziroglu@yahoo.co.uk
Uckan
Sina
S
Ozden
Utku Ahmet
UA
Arman
Ayca
A
D000293:Adolescent; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004548:Elasticity; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008437:Maxilla / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D008954:Models, Biological; D052280:Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D015050:Zygoma / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*