Dynamic analysis for clarifying occlusal force transmission during orthodontic archwire application: difference between ISW and stainless steel wire.

The purpose of our study was to utilize the dynamic finite element analysis to clarify the difference between Improved Super-elastic Ti-Ni alloy Wire (ISW) and Stainless Steel Wire (SSW) on occlusal force transmission during orthodontic treatment. ABAQUS/Standard was used to analyze three finite models over a 30-ms period: ISW, SSW, and wireless models; which consisting of premolar, molar, periodontal ligament (PDL), and alveolar bone. Wire model was established by beam element. A Joint C, which exhibits viscoelasticity to buffer occlusal force, was applied between the wire and bracket. The load was applied on the occlusal surface. At load withdrawal point, the average amounts of von Mises stress on PDL in three models were of the same value. However as time progressed, the stress in wireless model became higher than ISW and SSW models. In contrast, as time progressed further, the stress in SSW model became higher than the other two models and maintained its higher level until the end of analysis. Results showed that high damping capacity of ISW had an ability to buffer the transmission of occlusal force to the PDL. Besides, the dynamic analysis demonstrated an advantage to investigate the stress alterative response between models versus time period.