A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Mini-Implant supported K-Loop for Maxillary Molar Distalization

Abstract

Introduction: The study was conducted to assess the stress and displacement effects of a mini-implant supported k-loop on the maxillary dentition for distalization with 3-dimensional (3D) finite element stress analysis. Materials and Methods: A 3D model of the maxilla with all teeth, periodontal ligament, bone, mini-implants, brackets, and archwire was used in this study. The analytic model used in this study like brackets, wire, K-loop, and mini-implants was developed using a reverse engineering technique extracting the dimensional details of the physical parts using precision measuring instruments. Results: The distobuccal movement on the first molar and second molar were 0.26864 mm and 0.00833 mm, respectively. A total of 0.25 mm intrusion movement was seen on distal cusp of the first molar and 0.14 mm extrusion movement seen on mesial cusp of the first molar. A total of 0.25 mm and 0.00260 mm intrusion movement was seen on the distal cusp of the first molar and second molar, respectively. A total of 0.14 mm and 0.00324 mm extrusion movement was seen on the mesial cusp of the first molar and second molar, respectively. Conclusions: There was a large amount of distal displacement of the first molar, also negligible amount of tipping of the first molar and mesial movement of first premolar.