Biomechanical effects of different staging and attachment designs in maxillary molar distalization with clear aligner: a finite element study

Background In the present study, the effects of distalizations of one and two molars with different step distances and attachment designs have been analyzed. Methods A 3D finite element analysis model has been developed in order to determine the tendency of tooth displacement and stress distribution with clear aligner treatment. Results Under the condition of single-molar distalization, when the step distance was set to 0.25 mm, the total displacement was 0.086 mm for central incisors, 0.080 mm for lateral incisors, 0.084 mm for canines, 0.102 mm for the first premolar and 0.076 mm for the second premolar. The von Mises stress of roots and the principal stress of the periodontal ligament was slightly lower than in the control group when the step distance was set to 0.130 mm. Under the condition of two-molar distalization, when the step distance was set to 0.130 mm, the total displacements for central incisors, lateral incisors and canines as well as both the first and second maxillary molars were basically the same as with a distance of 0.250 mm for one-molar distalization. In addition, when the step distance was 0.130 mm with two-molar distalization, the rotation center of the first and second molar was closer to the apex of the root indicating that the smaller step distance led to more bodily movement during the two-molar distalization. However, displacement tendencies of the first molar and the second molar were basically the same whether horizontal or vertical rectangular attachments were added. Conclusions A step distance of moving two molars to 0.130 mm can achieve the same reaction force on the anterior teeth as moving one molar 0.250 mm without effects on horizontal or vertical rectangular attachments. Clinical relevance Our results provide a theoretical basis and guidance for simultaneously moving two molars backward in clinical practice using a clear aligner.