title: Three-dimensional finite element analysis of maxillary protraction with labiolingual arches and implants.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of maxillary protraction using traditional labiolingual arches and implant-type protraction devices before orthopedic treatment of patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 3-dimensional finite element model of the maxillofacial bones with high biologic similarity and including the sutures was constructed. Through stress and displacement calculations, a biomechanical study was performed for the maxillofacial bones, mandible, and sutures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We quantified detailed changes in the sutures with 2 protraction methods to analyze their effects on the growth of the maxillofacial bones.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  (1) The labiolingual arch is suitable for skeletal Class III patients with crossbite and deep overbite. The frontomaxillary and zygomaticomaxillary sutures played major roles in the forward displacement and counterclockwise rotation of the maxilla. The temporozygomatic and pterygopalatine sutures did not change significantly. (2) The implant type of protraction device is suitable for skeletal Class III patients with crossbite and open bite. Both the frontomaxillary and zygomaticomaxillary sutures played decisive roles in the forward displacement and clockwise rotation of maxilla. The temporozygomatic and pterygopalatine sutures showed small changes. (3) The labiolingual arch caused less stimulatory growth on the maxilla, whereas the implant caused greater stimulatory growth on the maxilla. Protraction with the labiolingual arch is more suitable for early skeletal Class III patients at a younger age; protraction with an implant is applicable to skeletal Class III patients in the late mixed dentition or early permanent dentition.
authors: Assistant professor, Changchun Stomatological Hospital; assistant professor, School of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
authors: Chang
authors: C
authors: Liu
authors: Associate professor, School of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China. Electronic address: zx3930@sina.com.
authors: Xianchun
authors: X
authors: Zhu
authors: Associate professor, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China.
authors: Xing
authors: X
authors: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003393:Cranial Sutures / Q000254:growth & development / Q000503:physiopathology; D003818:Dentition, Mixed; D005115:Extraoral Traction Appliances; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000254:growth & development / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D005624:Frontal Bone / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008313:Malocclusion, Angle Class III / Q000628:therapy*; D008334:Mandible / Q000254:growth & development / Q000503:physiopathology; D008437:Maxilla / Q000254:growth & development / Q000503:physiopathology*; D052280:Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D010159:Palate / Q000503:physiopathology; D012399:Rotation; D013100:Sphenoid Bone / Q000503:physiopathology; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000503:physiopathology; D015050:Zygoma / Q000503:physiopathology