Biomechanical analysis for total mesialization of the maxillary dentition: A finite element study

•We analyzed the mesialization of the maxillary dentition with various force angulations (FAs). •All FAs produced labial tipping of the central incisors. •All FAs produced mesial tipping of the molars. •The movement pattern of the whole dentition was correlated with the angulation of force. Introduction The purpose of this study was to analyze and clarify tooth movement during mesialization of the whole maxillary dentition with various force angulations (FAs). Methods A finite element method was used to simulate the long-term orthodontic movement of the maxillary dentition by accumulating the initial displacement of teeth produced by elastic deformation of the periodontal ligament. A mesial force of 3 N was applied to the maxillary second molar at 5 different FAs (−30°, −15°, 0°, 15°, and 30°) to the occlusal plane. Results At an FA of 28°, the line of action of the force passed through the center of resistance of the maxillary whole dentition. With all FAs, the central incisors and molars tipped labially and mesially, respectively. The tipping angles gradually decreased as the FAs shifted from −30° to 30°. The molars tipped lingually with FAs of −30° and −15°, whereas they tipped buccally with FAs of 0°, 15°, and 30°. The molars tended to rotate mesiolingually more as the angle of force increased toward an FA of 30°. The occlusal plane rotated counterclockwise with FAs of −30°, −15°, and 0°, whereas it rotated clockwise with FAs of 15° and 30°. With an FA of 30°, buccal tipping and mesiolingual rotation of the molars, and the change in the occlusal plane angle decreased when the transpalatal arch (TPA) was fixed to the first molars and decreased, even more when the TPA was fixed to the second molars rather than the first molars, when a thicker TPA was used, and when the TPA was fixed to both molars rather than a single molar. Conclusions There was a correlation between tooth movement during mesialization of the whole maxillary dentition and the angle at which the force was applied.