A finite element analysis of the maxillary first molar PDL with maxillary protraction in a mixed dentition Class III malocclusion.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the stress distribution on the PDL of the maxillary first molar in a mixed dentition Class III malocclusion, using a Hyrax-type appliance and maxillary protraction.


METHODS
A Class III malocclusion in the mixed dentition was reconstructed based on CBCT images.


METHODS
The 3D FEM comprised the maxilla, alveolar bone, right first permanent molar teeth, and PDL and consisted of 1 133 497 nodes and 573 726 elements. Maxillary protraction force was applied to a hook positioned close to the deciduous canines with 600 g and at 15°, 30°, and 45° downward angles to the maxillary occlusal plane.


RESULTS
Analysis was carried out from the top and buccal view of the sagittal plane. The magnitude of the stresses at 15°, 30°, and 45° of protraction angulation resulted in the highest stress magnitude being in the region between the distobuccal and palatal roots, as well as on the distal surface of the mesial root. The vector direction in this area showed traction and mesial movement. With 30° and 45° protraction angulations, the stress was located only between the distobuccal and palatal roots, and the vector direction was more extrusive at 15°.


CONCLUSIONS
The suggested orthodontic movement is in the mesial direction with a small amount of extrusion with 15° angulation and greater extrusion with 30° and 45°.
Graduate Dentistry Program in Orthodontics, School of Health and Biosciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.|Orthodontics, Center for Advanced Dental Education, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA.
O M
OM
Tanaka
Orthodontics, Center for Advanced Dental Education, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA.
E A
EA
Araújo
Orthodontics, Center for Advanced Dental Education, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA.
D R
DR
Oliver
Orthodontics, Center for Advanced Dental Education, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA.
R G
RG
Behrents
D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000502:physiology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002648:Child; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods; D003481:Cuspid / Q000502:physiology; D003818:Dentition, Mixed; D005260:Female; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008313:Malocclusion, Angle Class III / Q000628:therapy*; D008437:Maxilla / Q000502:physiology*; D008963:Molar / Q000502:physiology*; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D010155:Palatal Expansion Technique / Q000295:instrumentation; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000502:physiology*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000502:physiology; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000502:physiology
Class III; finite element analysis; periodontal ligament; protraction