The aim of this study was to analyze stress distribution and displacement of the maxilla and teeth according to different designs of bone-borne palatal expanders using micro-implants. A three-dimensional (3D) finite-element (FE) model of the craniofacial bones and maxillary teeth was obtained. Four designs of rapid maxillary expanders: one with micro-implants placed lateral to mid-palatal suture (type 1), the second at the palatal slope (type 2), the third as in type 1 with additional conventional Hyrax arms (type 3), and the fourth surgically assisted tooth-borne expander (type 4) were added to the FE models. Expanders were activated transversely for 0.25mm. Geometric nonlinear theory was applied to evaluate Von-Mises Stress distribution and displacement. All types exhibited downward displacement and demonstrated more horizontal movement in the posterior area. Type 3 showed the most transverse displacement. The rotational movement of dentoalveolar unit was larger in types 1 and 3, whereas it was relatively parallel in types 2 and 4. The stresses were concentrated around the micro-implants in types 1 and 3 only. Type 2 had the least stress concentrations around the anchorage and showed alveolar expansion without buccal inclination. It is recommended to apply temporary anchorage devices to the palatal slopes to support expanders for efficient treatment of maxillary transverse deficiency.

No abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the heritability of facial skeletal and dental characteristics of the monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins. The samples consisted of Korean MZ and DZ twins (n = 13 pairs/each twin; 7 pairs of males and 6 pairs of females; mean age, 39 years, respectively). The linear, angular, and ratio variables, which could describe the size and shape of the facial horizontal and vertical, dental, mandible and cranial base structure, were measured. The Falconer's method was used to calculate the heritability (h; close to or below 0, low heritability; close to or above 1, high heritability). In the facial horizontal and vertical aspects, the highest h values were shown at SNA (degree, 1.53), SNB (degree, 2.12), SN-Pog (degree, 2.19), SN-palatal plane angle (degree, 1.29), SN-mandibular plane angle (degree, 1.59), N-ANS/ANS-Me (1.66), and ANS-Me/N-Me (1.62). In the dental aspects, although L1-occlusal plane angle (degree, 1.38) and SN-occlusal plane angle (degree, 2.09) showed high h values, most of the dental variables showed low h values. In the mandible and cranial base, lower gonial angle, mandibular body length, and cranial base angle showed high h values (N-Go-Gn [degree], 1.07; Go-Pog [mm], 0.92; N-S-Ba [degree], 1.51). The descending order of the overall mean h values was the facial horizontal (1.10), facial vertical (0.71), mandible (0.59), cranial base (0.37), and dental characteristics (-0.11). The shape of facial skeletal structure and location of the occlusal plane within skeletal framework was more influenced by genetic factors than environmental factors.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to (1) evaluate the effects of maxillary second and third molar eruption status on the distalization of first molars with a modified palatal anchorage plate (MPAP), and (2) compare the results to the outcomes of the use of a pendulum and that of a headgear using three-dimensional finite element analysis.MethodsThree eruption stages were established: an erupting second molar at the cervical one-third of the first molar root (Stage 1), a fully erupted second molar (Stage 2), and an erupting third molar at the cervical one-third of the second molar root (Stage 3). Retraction forces were applied via three anchorage appliance models: an MPAP with bracket and archwire, a bone-anchored pendulum appliance, and cervical-pull headgear.ResultsAn MPAP showed greater root movement of the first molar than crown movement, and this was more noticeable in Stages 2 and 3. With the other devices, the first molar showed distal tipping. Transversely, the first molar had mesial-out rotation with headgear and mesial-in rotation with the other devices. Vertically, the first molar was intruded with an MPAP, and extruded with the other appliances.ConclusionsThe second molar eruption stage had an effect on molar distalization, but the third molar follicle had no effect. The application of an MPAP may be an effective treatment option for maxillary molar distalization.