Effects of different patterns of movement for correcting a deep curve of Spee with clear aligners on the anterior teeth: a finite element analysis

Abstract Objective To analyse the anterior teeth effects of clear aligners on five different patterns of mandibular molar movement and to define the most effective configuration to be implemented with clear aligners through finite element analysis. Methods A three-dimensional mandibular model with a deep overbite in the mandible was constructed using cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) data. The model included the mandibular dentition, mandibular periodontal ligaments, attachments, and aligners. Five models were created: (1) configuration A: second molar distalization (0.25 mm); (2) configuration B: second molar distalization (0.25 mm), first molar extrusion (0.15 mm); (3) configuration C: second molar distalization (0.25 mmm), first and second premolar extrusion(0.15 mm); (4) configuration D: second molar distalization (0.25 mm), first molar and first/second premolar extrusion(0.15 mm); and (5) configuration E: second molar distalization (0.25 mm), first molar and first/second premolar extrusion (0.15 mm), first molar and first/second premolar expansion (0.15 mm). Results In all configurations, the anterior teeth exhibited labial tipping and the mandibular central incisor of configuration E showed the highest labial tipping. Configuration E demonstrated a relatively minor impact on mandibular molars distalization compared with configuration A. Configuration A showed the highest distal displacement value, and configuration E produced the lowest displacement value. Configuration E caused the highest periodontal ligament (PDL) pressure of the central and lateral incisors. The differences in the canines between configurations C and D,were not significant, and the stress distribution differed among the five groups. Conclusions All patterns utilizing clear aligners facilitated mandibular molar distalization. Extruding the premolars and second molar distalization at the same time had little impact on second molar distalization; When expansion and extrusion were simultaneously performed during the distalization of mandibular molars, our prime consideration was the alveolar bone on the labial side of the anterior teeth to prevent the occurrence of gingival recession, dehiscence, and fenestration. Due to the lack of consideration for periodontal tissues in this study, clinical protocols should be designed based on the periodontal status of the mandibular anterior teeth.