[Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the biomechanical effects of multiloop edgewise archwire (MEAW)]

Abstract

This study is designed to theoretically evaluate the treatment effects of MEAW with tip back bends on the mandible dentition when used as a finishing archwire without elastic and with long class III elastics respectively, and to compare them with those of stainless-steel wire and shape-memory wire. The finite element analysis (FEA) method was adopted and the findings were as follows: (1) In the case of no elastics, the MEAW rotates the second premolar, the first molar and the second molar distally while rotating other teeth mesially, and depresses anterior teeth. However, the stainless-steel wire and the shape-memory wire rotate molars distally while rotating other teeth mesially. Furthermore, they extrude anterior teeth and depress posterior teeth. (2) The MEAW with tip back bends and long class III elastics inclines and rotates posterior teeth more distally than the MEAW with only tip back bends does. In the case of tip back bends and long class III elastics loaded together, the shape-memory wire inclines teeth in greater strength as compared with the stainless-steel wire. (3) The stress level of tooth root is the lowest with MEAW, the highest with stainless-steel wire, and is middle with the shape-memory wire. From these results, it is suggested that: (1) The MEAW therapy technique is effective for leveling the curve of Spee and regulating tooth respectively. (2) The MEAW therapy technique can transfer therapy force efficiently. (3) The MEAW is considered to be suitable for treating openbite malocclusion to make the posterior teeth upright because it effectively rotates teeth distally through the force of posterior bends and long class III elastics. (4) The loaded force on the teeth is more soft and permanent in the MEAW than in the stainless-steel wire and the shape-memory wire.