The Role of Loop Height and Design on its Force Characteristics in Alignment of Teeth: A Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of different orthodontic vertical loop height and design on its force characteristics at different amount of loop activation by means of finite element method (FEM) analysis. Results:The results of this study showed that the minimum amount of force was delivered by double vertical helical open loop with the height of 7 mm at the activation of 0.1 mm which was about 1.06E-01 N. The maximum amount of force was 2.2199 N which was delivered by double vertical open loop with height of 6mm at 1 mm activation. At each amount of activation the value of exerted force followed this order: DVOL 6 mm > DVOL 7 mm > DVHOL 6 mm > DVHOL 7 mm.Conclusions: According to this FEM study, considering its limitations, adding a helix in a double vertical open loop as well as increasing the height of loop can reduce the value of delivered force.