Finite element analysis of the effect of power arm locations on tooth movement in extraction space closure with miniscrew anchorage in customized lingual orthodontic treatment

More patients are choosing customized orthodontic appliances because of their excellent esthetics. It is essential that clinicians understand the biomechanics of the tooth movement tendency in customized lingual orthodontics. This study aimed to evaluate the tooth movement tendency during space closure in maxillary anterior teeth with the use of miniscrew anchorage in customized lingual orthodontics with various power arm locations. Three-dimensional finite element models of the maxilla were created with miniscrews and power arms; the positions were varied to change the force directions. A retraction force (1.5 N) was applied from the top of the miniscrews to the selected points on the power arm, and the initial displacements of the reference nodes of the maxillary teeth were analyzed. After applying force in different directions, power arms located at the distal side of the canines led to larger initial lingual crown tipping and occlusal crown extrusion of the maxillary incisors compared with power arms located at the midpoint between the lateral incisors and canines, and caused a decreasing trend of the intercanine width. In customized lingual orthodontic treatment, power arms located at the distal side of the canines are unfavorable for anterior teeth torque control and intercanine width control. Power arms located at the midpoint between the lateral incisors and canines can get better torque control, but still cannot achieve excepted torque without extra torque control methods, no matter whether its force application point is higher than, lower than, or equal to the level of the top of the miniscrews. •Biomechanics of tooth movement in customized lingual orthodontics is important.•Maxillary anterior tooth retraction with miniscrew anchorage requires careful planning.•Distal canine power arms are unfavorable for controlling torque and intercanine width.•Power arms midway between the lateral incisors and canines provide better control.•Extra torque control methods will still be needed.