Three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Biomechanical Effects of Orthodontic Clear Aligners in Maxillary Arch Expansion Procedure: A Comprehensive Review of the Current Literature

Abstract A rapid evolution and advancements of digital technology, techniques, and dental materials are happening in modern dentistry including orthodontics. In the same line, orthodontic clear aligner (CA) appliances are being preferred by the dental clinicians and patients due to their positive aspects and benefits in the treatment of various malocclusions. Expanding the maxillary dental arch using CAs is a feasible option for patients having a limited palatal/maxillary deficiency in transverse dimensions. Although these are widely popular, several shortcomings related to maxillary arch expansion therapy have been mentioned in the existing literature. Finite element analysis (FEA) has been employed in recent studies to evaluate deeply about the various complex aspects of biomechanical mechanisms in the context of maxillary arch expansion procedures with CAs. However, to date, there is no published comprehensive review article in aforementioned regard. Hence, the current review article was commenced with the aim to systematically and extensively explore the current literature pertaining to FEA application in maxillary expansion with CAs. Nine scientific databases online (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, WoS, Cochrane, LILACS, DOAJ, SciELO, and Google Scholar) were searched for the pertinent studies. This comprehensive narrative review summarizes and unveils the clinically relevant and important findings from the studies related to FEA use in analysing different facets of CA in maxillary expansion procedure.