Abstract
OBJECTIVE: In this study, various micro-osteoperforation (MOP) approaches were designed and their impacts on dentoalveolar structures were evaluated during maxillary canine distalisation in clear aligner (CA) treatment using a three-dimensional (3D) finite element method (FEM). DESIGN: A 3D analysis was conducted of displacements and stresses in canine distalisation with various MOP approaches in CA. SETTING: Computational study. METHODS: In CA treatment, a FEM model was created to simulate distalisation of the maxillary canine by extraction of the first premolar. A total of 12 MOP approach designs were simulated for variations in the location, number and distance of the MOPs. MOP was not applied in one model; a total of 13 models were created. Canine and aligner displacement, and stresses on the periodontal ligament (PDL) were calculated under 0.24 CA activation. RESULTS: The effect of MOPs on canine displacement was non-significant. The movement was observed as tipping. Localisation, MOP-canine distance and MOP depth parameters did not affect canine and aligner displacement. Canine and aligner displacement was the same across all models. Moreover, the compression stresses within the PDL were minimal and showed no significant variations among the models, whereas the tensile stresses displayed only minor differences. CONCLUSION: MOPs did not alter the biomechanical responses of dentoalveolar structures concerning the canine and aligner but had a small and non-clinically significant effect on PDL.