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. 2020 Feb;14(1):107-114.
doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1702254. Epub 2020 Mar 13.

A Comparative Three-Dimensional Finite Element Study of Two Space Regainers in the Mixed Dentition Stage

Mohamed Ahmed Abdel Hakim  1 , Nagwa Mohamed Ali Khatab  2 , Kareem Maher Gaber Mohamed  3 , Ahmad Abdel Hamid Elheeny  2
Affiliations

A Comparative Three-Dimensional Finite Element Study of Two Space Regainers in the Mixed Dentition Stage

Mohamed Ahmed Abdel Hakim et al. Eur J Dent. 2020 Feb.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to compare the stress distribution and displacement that resulted from the use of a Gerber space regainer and sagittal distalizer using three-dimensional finite element analysis.

Materials and methods: Three-dimensional simulated models of the appliances were developed using a software. The forces applied by the two appliances were 3N (tipping) and 15N (bodily), respectively. Displacement and von Mises stress on the compact and cancellous bone, periodontal ligament (PDL), crowns of the mandibular first, second permanent molars, and deciduous canines were calculated. Stress distribution and displacement values were measured via linear static analysis.

Results: Gerber space regainer showed greater displacement than that produced by the sagittal distalizer at the first permanent molar. However, such displacement was less at the other tested points when compared with that delivered by sagittal distalizer. The stresses created by Gerber appliance were higher in the crown and PDL of the deciduous canine than the crown of the first permanent molar crown.

Conclusions: Gerber appliance generates more distal force and less stress concentration on the crown of the mandibular first permanent molar than that created by the sagittal distalizer. On the other hand, stress concentrations produced by Gerber space regainer are found to be more on the crown and PDL of the deciduous canine. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of Gerber appliance needs more anchorage.

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Conflict of interest statement

• Premature loss of deciduous dentition is common and has significant impacts on the growing child including a decrease in the arch perimeter. Therefore, the space regaining is mandatory.• This study simulates two space regainer appliances using a FEM that simulates the clinical situation providing dependable data in a noninvasive way about stress distribution and displacement values in the dentoalveolar structures in mixed dentition stage.• Limited data are available in such an era of pediatric dentistry, so comparing stress concentration and displacement simulation created by two space regainers with different types of tooth movements is viable in the dentist decision and treatment plan for space regaining.None declared.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flowchart of finite element method procedures.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Gerber space regainer ( A ) and sagittal molar distalizer ( B ).
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Stress distribution of Gerber space regainer on the compact bone ( A and E ), deciduous canine ( B and F ), first permanent molar ( C and G ), and periodontal ligament ( D and H ).
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Stress distribution and displacement of sagittal molar distalizer in the compact bone ( A and E ), deciduous canine ( B and F ), first permanent molar ( C and G ), and periodontal ligament ( D and H ).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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