Objective:

 The main goal of this study was to optimize unilateral molar rotation correction by modifying a trans-palatal arch (TPA) design using the finite element method.

 Design:

  Three-dimensional analysis of different TPA designs was carried out using the finite element method.

 Setting:

  Department of Orthodontics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

 Material and methods:

  For this investigation, 13 three-dimensional finite element models were produced for different TPA designs without pre-activation bends. Each model contained a palatal bar and two tubes. Optimizing unilateral molar rotations was achieved by five separate different paths: incorporating U-loop(s), ‘R’ loop(s) or helix/helices, a reverse action of the helix/helices and adding a straight wire to the design. The mesial part of the left side tube was displaced 0·1, 0·25, 0·5 and 1 mm, successively towards the midline, simulating palatal bar tab engagement in a mesio-palatal rotated maxillary left molar. The mesio-distal force, moment and energy produced in the normal side (right) molar were recorded for each of the models.

 Results:

  Findings showed that in all designs, the associated mesializing force was lower than that seen in the traditional design and the moment showed an increasing pattern when compared with a simple palatal bar. Regarding energy levels, the same increasing pattern was observed in the designs between activations of 0·1 and 1·0 mm.

 Conclusion:

 According to our optimized system, the TPA design with the highest energy and moment, but the lowest mesializing force associated with derotating a maxillary molar tooth was a parallel wire II design (i.e. adding a straight wire).

 Source: Journal of Orthodontics

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