Abstract
BackgroundOur objectives are to analyse and to compare the stress distribution and displacement of the craniofacial structures, following the application of forces from quad-helix and Nickel Titanium Palatal Expander-2 (NPE2) using finite element analysis.MethodsThree-dimensional finite element models of young dried human skull, quad-helix appliance and NPE2 were constructed, and the initial activation of the expanders was stimulated to carry out the analysis and to evaluate the Von Misses stresses and displacement.ResultsBoth the models demonstrated the highest stresses at the mid-palatal suture, with maximum posterior dislocation. The second highest stress was recorded at the fronto-zygomatic suture. The pattern of stress distribution was almost similar in both the groups, but NPE2 revealed lower magnitude stresses than quad-helix. The only exception being quad-helix model showed high stress levels around pterygo-maxillary suture whereas minimal stress around pterygo-maxillary suture was noticed after NPE2 activation. The cusp of the erupting canine and the erupting mesiobuccal cusp of the second molar showed outward, backward and downward displacement signifying increase in their eruption pattern following maxillary expansion.ConclusionsMaxillary expansion using quad-helix and NPE2 can be used in posterior crossbite correction in cases where maximum skeletal changes are desirable at a younger age; it is furthermore effective in treating young patients with impacted or displaced teeth. Quad-helix and NPE2 produced acceptable forces for orthopaedic treatment even after being orthodontic appliances; their clinical application should be correctly planned as the effects of these appliances are largely age dependent.
Highlights
Our objectives are to analyse and to compare the stress distribution and displacement of the craniofacial structures, following the application of forces from quad-helix and Nickel Titanium Palatal Expander-2 (NPE2) using finite element analysis
In young patients, slow maxillary expansion is said to provide the maximum rate at which the mid-face sutures can adapt, with minimum tearing and haemorrhaging compared with rapid maxillary expansion [14,15,16]
Quad-helix and NPE2 produced acceptable forces for orthopaedic treatment even after being an orthodontic appliance; their clinical application should be correctly planned as the effects of these appliances are largely age dependent
Summary
Our objectives are to analyse and to compare the stress distribution and displacement of the craniofacial structures, following the application of forces from quad-helix and Nickel Titanium Palatal Expander-2 (NPE2) using finite element analysis. Slow maxillary expansion produces more physiologic response at the mid-palatal suture area. It produces less tissue resistance, since it delivers constant physiologic force in the suture and allows better bone formation, both these factors help to minimize the post expansion relapse [2]. Corbett [5] introduced Nickel Titanium Palatal Expander-2 (NPE2) in 1997. It generates optimal and constant pressure which is
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