Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy, Displacements and Stress Distribution Patterns in the Mandible with two Fixed Functional Appliances: A Finite Element Study

Abstract

Objectives- Objective: To evaluate and compare the efficacy, displacement and stress distribution patterns of two fixed functional appliances in the mandible. Material and Methods: The construction of the finite element model was done which was read into Mimics software and processed. The results were extracted using ANSYS. Results: The maximum anterior displacement of 0.669 mm was observed in mandible with AdvanSync 2 (Ormco Co, Glendora, Calif) whereas, the maximum anterior displacement of 0.690 mm was observed in mandible with PowerScope 2 (American Orthodontics, Sheboygan, Wis). The maximum von Mises stresses of 32.289 Mpa were observed at medial surface of the head of condyle, lateral border of mandible and lateral border of coronoid process with AdvanSync 2 whereas, the maximum von Mises stresses of 38.855 Mpa were observed at medial surface of head of condyle, lateral border of mandible, angle of mandible and lateral border of coronoid process with PowerScope 2. Conclusion: Greater forward movement of the mandible was observed with PowerScope 2. Amount of von Mises stress and tensile stress generated with PowerScope 2 was greater. The von Mises stress produced by all the appliances was within the physiological limit but it was found to be minimum with AdvanSync 2. Therefore, this study establishes AdvanSync 2 as more biologically acceptable as compared to PowerScope 2. Hence, both Class II correctors can be used in cases that require fixed functional treatment to render fruitful results.