The optimal activation of plastic aligner for canine distal movement: a three-dimensional finite element analysis

This study aimed to investigate the optimal activation of plastic aligner for the canine distal movement by combining the stress and strain of periodontal ligament. Computer-aided design models of the upper canine, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and plastic aligner were constructed. The stresses and strains of periodontal ligament were acquired by fitting plastic aligner on the canine, which will cause the canine distal-direction movement. The activation of plastic aligner was set into 12 groups, including 0.050, 0.100, 0.125, 0.150, 0.175, 0.200, 0.225, 0.250, 0.275, 0.300, 0.350, and 0.400 mm. Assuming the volume-averaged hydrostatic stress (VAHS) ranging from 4.7 to 16 kPa to be the optimal stress, and an average strain no less than 0.3 to be the optimal strain. The optimal activation of plastic aligner was acquired based on the optimal stress and average strain. As the activation increased, the stress and strain of periodontal ligament increased visibly. The degree of activation of plastic aligner was nonlinearly and positively related to VAHS and average strain. According to the fitted curves, the activation corresponding to the optimal stress was 0.07–0.24 mm and the activation was not less than 0.21 mm based on the optimal strain. The optimal activation of plastic aligner for the canine distal movement was 0.21–0.24 mm in this study. The degree of activation affects the force system of orthodontic tooth movement, and it should be taken into consideration to obtain healthy and efficient tooth movement. The activation with 0.21–0.24 mm seems optimal for orthodontic tooth movement in the plastic aligner system in this study.