Efficacy of SAVE: A Novel Maxillary Protraction Device-A Finite Element Analysis.

Introduction: This study describes a novel device known as "SAVE" to effectively protract the deficient maxilla in class III malocclusion by quantifying and evaluating the changes in the maxilla through a finite element analysis (FEA).

Materials and methods: The patented novel SAVE device was three-dimensionally modeled using Autodesk Fusion 360. An existing computed tomography (CT) scan of a patient exhibiting class III malocclusion was used to generate a finite element (FE) model. The total number of nodes was 8,49,682 and 5,30,716 elements. The material of choice for the appliance was medical-grade polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer. The loading was performed to simulate maxillary protraction (after assigning material properties). The loading forces of 3.5, 5.5, and 9 N were simulated on each side with 30° angulations to the occlusal plane. The color changes in terms of areas of maximum (red) and minimum (blue) deformation.

Results: The FEA results with protraction forces of 3.5, 5.5, and 9 N showed deformation of the maxilla in the forward and downward directions. Equivalent von Mises stress on the SAVE appliance showed stress on the superior surface of the main frame and on the area below the struts where the force module was attached. In relation to the implant, the stress concentration was on the posterior and superior area around the implant.

Conclusion: The FEM analysis force vectors showed a forward and downward deformation of the maxilla with counterclockwise rotation, supporting the fact that the novel appliance could bring about effective maxillary protraction in a shorter duration.

How to cite this article: Shetty S, T NB, Amin V, et al. Efficacy of SAVE: A Novel Maxillary Protraction Device-A Finite Element Analysis. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(12):1377-1382.