Effect of attachment type on distal bodily movement of the maxillary canine in aligner orthodontics: a finite element study.

Objectives: To clarify the effect of attachment types on bodily movement of the maxillary canine in aligner orthodontics.

Materials and methods: Using an aligner, the canine was moved bodily by 0.1 mm distally as a target position. Orthodontic tooth movement was simulated using the finite element method (FEM). The alveolar socket was displaced in the same manner as the initial movement caused by elastic deformation of the periodontal ligament. First, the initial movement was calculated, and then the alveolar socket was displaced in the same direction and with the same magnitude as the initial movement. These calculations were repeated to move the teeth after placement of the aligner. The teeth and the alveolar bone were assumed to be rigid bodies. A FEM model of the aligner was made based on the crown surfaces. The thickness of the aligner was 0.45 mm, and its Young's modulus was 2 GPa. Three types of attachments-semicircular couple, vertical rectangular, and horizontal rectangular-were placed on the canine crown.

Results: Regardless of the type of attachment, upon placement of the aligner on the dentition the crown of the canine moved to the target position, while the apex hardly moved. That is, the canine tipped and rotated. After repeating the calculation, the canine became upright and moved bodily regardless of the attachment type. In the aligner without an attachment, the canine did not become upright.

Conclusions: There was almost no difference among attachment types in terms of achieving bodily movement of the canine.