Effects of transpalatal arch wire dimension and temporary skeletal anchorage device position on maxillary molar intrusion

ABSTRACT Objectives To investigate the effects of transpalatal (TPA) wire dimension and temporary skeletal anchorage device (TSAD) position on maxillary molar intrusion. Materials and Methods The maxillary molar intrusion measurement system included a maxillary acrylic model, TPA, TSADs, and a three-dimensional Force/Moment (F/M) sensor. The intrusion patterns were categorized into six groups: buccal-mesial, buccal-distal, buccal-mesiodistal, palatal-mesial, palatal-distal, and palatal-mesiodistal. TPA wire dimensions were designed to be 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm, and 1.2 mm. The force and moment loads of the maxillary first molar were measured by the F/M sensor. Results Single buccal or palatal TSADs induced torquing movement, and single mesial or distal TSADs tended to promote tipping movement. Mesiodistal TSADs would have eliminated tipping, but accentuated torquing movement. The TPA significantly reduced the force and moment experienced by the maxillary first molar along three-dimensional axes. The thicker the TPA wire, the smaller the force and moment to which the maxillary first molar was subjected. Conclusions Precise placement of TSADs might have a substantial influence on tooth movement and should be determined in accordance with specific clinical requirements. Increasing the TPA wire dimension could diminish the tipping, torquing, and rotation during TSAD-assisted maxillary molar intrusion, but these tendencies could not be completely eliminated.