A finite element analysis of the effects of archwire size on orthodontic tooth movement in extraction space closure with miniscrew sliding mechanics.

BACKGROUND: Sliding mechanics with miniscrews is recently used for extraction space closure. The purpose of this study was to elucidate how and why the archwire size affects long-term tooth movement in miniscrew sliding mechanics.

METHODS: Long-term orthodontic tooth movements were simulated based on a remodeling law of the alveolar bone by using a finite element method, in which the bracket rotated freely within a clearance gap (a play) of the archwire-bracket slot. The archwire size was changed to 0.021, 0.018, and 0.016 in. for the 0.022-in. bracket.

RESULT: Lingual crown tipping and extrusion of the incisors increased with decreasing the archwire size. Movements of the posterior teeth were approximately the same irrespective of archwire size.

CONCLUSIONS: When decreasing the archwire size, a play of the archwire-bracket slot, as well as the elastic deformation of the archwire, resulted in lingual tipping of the incisors. This tipping led to extrusion of the incisors.