Palatal en-masse retraction of segmented maxillary anterior teeth: A finite element study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this finite element study was to clarify the mechanics of tooth movement in palatal en-masse retraction of segmented maxillary anterior teeth by using anchor screws and lever arms. METHODS: A three-dimensional finite element method was used to simulate overall orthodontic tooth movements. The line of action of the force was varied by changing both the lever arm height and anchor screw position. RESULTS: When the line of action of the force passed through the center of resistance (CR), the anterior teeth showed translation. However, when the line of action was not perpendicular to the long axis of the anterior teeth, the anterior teeth moved bodily with an unexpected intrusion even though the force was transmitted horizontally. To move the anterior teeth bodily without intrusion and extrusion, a downward force passing through the CR was necessary. When the line of action of the force passed apical to the CR, the anterior teeth tipped counterclockwise during retraction, and when the line of action of the force passed coronal to the CR, the anterior teeth tipped clockwise during retraction. CONCLUSIONS: The movement pattern of the anterior teeth changed depending on the combination of lever arm height and anchor screw position. However, this pattern may be unpredictable in clinical settings because the movement direction is not always equal to the force direction.