Simulação tridimensional de movimentos ortodônticos em arcadas superiores pelo método dos elementos finitos

Abstract

The simulations by the finite elements method have expanded their field of application and proved to be efficient in areas of engineering and in the field of biomechanics. In this work, tree-dimensional models were created based on the average dimensions of dental units, as found in specialized literature. Different initial dental movements, induced by the application of orthodontic force by means of treedimensional finite elements models, were evaluated. The produced movements were found to be correspondent to literature. At the same time as dental movements were quantified, it was possible to evaluate the axial stress along periodontal fibers, which made it possible to emphasize which of the tooth dental socket wall areas will be able to promote bone remodelling. Determining quantitatively the initial dental movements made it also possible to verify the influence of the use of stainless steel wire ligatures, the inclusion of the second molars and the most adequate local to installing orthodontic mini-implants. Since different intra and extra-oral appliances were considered, the movements caused in the distalization of the molars and adjacent teeth were as determined, allowing to evaluate the efficiency of the utilized orthodontic appliances. Thus, it can be concluded that the utilization and adequate construction of tree-dimensional finite elements models make possible the realization of orthodontic studies that quantitatively confirm the data found in the literature, in addition to permitting the evaluation of the behavior of new kinds of appliances and orthodontic techniques, fostering research and studies in the field of Dentistry.