Optimizing anterior en masse retraction with miniscrew anchorage

Effect of archwire plane and archwire size on anterior teeth movement in sliding mechanics in customized labial orthodontics: a 3D finite element study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate anterior teeth movement with different archwire planes and archwire sizes during space closure with and without miniscrew in sliding mechanics.

METHODS

A 3D finite element method was applied to simulate anterior teeth retraction with and without miniscrew and power arm. Initial displacements and pressure stresses of periodontal tissue in anterior teeth were calculated after the teeth were applied with retraction forces with different archwire planes and archwire sizes.

RESULTS

High archwire plane showed better torque control of anterior teeth in both sliding mechanics. With intramaxillary retraction, anterior teeth showed lingual tipping and extrusion movement, whereas larger-size archwires did not reduce it. In miniscrew sliding mechanics, anterior teeth showed labial tipping and intrusion movement. Compared with intramaxillary retraction, the retraction force produced less pressure stress on periodontal tissue in miniscrew sliding mechanics with long power arm.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher archwire plane is conducive to anterior teeth torque control. In order to achieve the bodily movement of the anterior teeth during space closure, it is more important to choose the appropriate method (miniscrew sliding mechanics with long power arm), instead of increasing the size of the archwire.

Comparison of soft tissue changes between incisor tipping and translation after premolar extraction

Objective

This study compared soft tissue changes after extraction of the four premolars followed by maximum retraction of the anterior teeth according to the type of anterior teeth movement tipping and translation.

Methods

Patients who had undergone orthodontic treatment involving the extraction of four premolars were retrospectively selected and divided into either the tipping (n = 27) or translation (n = 26) groups based on the retraction of the incisor root apex and the axis changes of the incisors during the treatment period. Lateral pre- and post-treatment cephalograms were analyzed.

Results

There were no significant differences between the tipping and translation groups before treatment. The retraction amounts of the root apex of the upper and lower incisors in the tipping group were 0.33 and 0.26 mm, respectively, and 5.02 and 5.31 mm, respectively, in the translation group (p < 0.001). The posterior movements of soft tissue points A and B in the tipping group were 0.61 and 1.25 mm, respectively, and 1.10 and 3.25 mm, respectively, in the translation group (p < 0.01). The mentolabial sulcus angle increased by 5.89° in the tipping group, whereas it decreased by 8.13° in the translation group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

An increased amount of retraction of the incisor root apex led to the increased posterior movement of soft tissue points A and B, and this appeared more distinct in cases involving the lower incisor and lower lip.

Removable molar power arm

Attachment of force elements from the gingival hook of maxillary molar tubes during the retraction of the anterior teeth is very common in orthodontic practice. As the line of force passes below the center of resistance (CR) of molar, it results its mesial tipping and also anchorage loss. To overcome this problem, the line of force should pass along the CR of molar. This article highlights a method to overcome this problem by attaching a removable power arm to the headgear tube of molar tube during the retraction of the anterior teeth.