A three-dimensional finite element analysis of the effect of archwire characteristics on the self-ligating orthodontic tooth movement of the canine

BACKGROUND: In orthodontics, the tooth movement is a biologic reaction to applied force systems, brackets, archwires, and periodontium tissue. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of the various archwire characteristics like the friction coebetween bracket and archwire, the cross-section shape, and the cross-section dimension, on the displacement and the periodontal ligament (PDL) stresses of canine’s movement in a self-ligating treatment using the finite element (FE) analysis method. METHODS: Models of teeth and their supporting tissues, brackets and archwires were constructed. Ten kinds of archwires were used for the simulation. RESULTS: Considering the translation movement, the maximum displacement, highest stress, and [Formula: see text] increased with an increase in the cross-section area. The maximum displacement and highest stress increased with an increase in the friction coefficient. The [Formula: see text] values increased with an increase in the friction coefficient in the round archwires, while decreased with an increase in the rectangular archwires. However, these change tends were different in rotation and inclination movement. CONCLUSION: The archwire characteristics (round archwire, rectangular archwire, cross-section area, and friction coefficient) exhibited different effects on the tooth translation, rotation, and inclination. Our results can assist in the improvement of the self-ligating orthodontic treatment.