A comparative finite element analysis of maxillary expansion with and without midpalatal suture viscoelasticity using a representative skeletal geometry

Abstract

The goal of this investigation was to adapt and incorporate a nonlinear viscoelastic material model representative of the midpalatal suture’s viscoelastic nature into finite element analysis simulations of maxillary expansion treatment. Step-wise displacements were applied to a partial skull geometry to simulate treatment using an expansion screw appliance. Four simulation cases were considered for the midpalatal and intermaxillary sutures: 1. Neglecting suture tissue; 2. Linear elastic properties; 3. Viscoelastic properties; 4. A fused intermaxillary and viscoelastic midpalatal suture. Results from simulations indicated that removal of suture tissue and inclusion of viscoelastic properties resulted in the same maxillary displacement following 29 activations of 0.125 mm applied directly to the maxilla; however, assuming a fused intermaxillary suture significantly changed maxillary displacement patterns. Initial stress results within the suture complex were significantly influenced by the inclusion of suture viscoelasticity as compared to linear elastic properties. The presented study demonstrates successful incorporation of suture viscoelasticity into finite element analysis simulations of maxillary expansion treatment, and elucidates the appropriateness of various suture material property assumptions depending desired research outcomes.

T cells participate in bone remodeling during the rapid palatal expansion

“…Palatal expansion has been widely used for the transverse discrepancy or maxillae hypoplasia, which is the main approach to stimulate bone regeneration around the suture area during orthodontics treatment 1‐3 . Palatal expansion is based on mechanical force‐induced bone remodeling, 4,5 but its underlying biological mechanisms remains largely unknown. It has been reported that osteoclasts played a crucial role during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and palatal expansion process 6,7 .…”

Fibre Bragg grating sensors for sutural expansion assessment in rapid palatal expanders: an ex‐vivo validation

“…It is also worth noting that as the number of activations increase, a small strain relaxation between activations occurs, which can be related to viscoelastic properties of the region in which the FBGs are positioned. The viscoelastic property of the midpalatal suture is important on the displacements analysis [30] and the sensor capability of estimating some viscoelastic parameters, such as the strain relaxation, result in important analysis of the palatal region, which can be assessed in the future. The temperature was kept constant during the tests and the differences between both appliances are not due to temperature variations.…”

Treatment of maxillary transverse deficiency with rapid expansion of the palate with mini-implant: a review

“…Widening the maxilla expands the midpalatal suture (MPS) and the intermaxillary suture (IMS). When they are not fused, it is connective tissue and behaves viscoelastically in response to externally applied forces, 21 It has been shown that the activation of anchored miniscrews, for slow maxillary expansion (SME= one turn per day) vs fast maxillary expansion (RME= 2 turns per day), SME provides a better experience for the patient, however there is no statistical difference. EMR patients reported headaches and dizziness.…”