Miniscrews position for a tissue bone borne palatal C-expander affects the displacement pattern of nasomaxillary complex: a finite element study

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the difference in expansion patterns based on the position of miniscrews for a tissue-bone-borne palatal C-expander using a finite element method. Ten expansion models were examined, each representing a different position of miniscrews on the palate. Models A and B had miniscrews symmetrically placed 7 mm and 15 mm below the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), respectively. Models C to J had miniscrews positioned in a triangular manner at 7 mm and 15 mm below CEJ. Stress, displacement, angular changes of the bone and teeth, and changes in the nasomaxillary complex were measured using elastoplastic behavior models through static-nonlinear simulation employing an implicit method. The anterior and posterior parts of paramidpalatal suture area were identified as ANT, TPS-M, and TPS-L, and their ratio was assessed. Model A, which featured three miniscrews located 7 mm below the CEJ, exhibited the least molar inclination and the smallest amount of skeletal expansion. Model I, with two miniscrews placed between the first and second molars, demonstrated the greatest lateral displacement at point N on the nasal cavity wall, along with the smallest ratio of ANT to TPS-M or TPS-L. This finding suggests that the posterior expansion of the palate in relation to the anterior expansion was maximized. The results of this study indicate that strategic positioning of miniscrews is effective in achieving various expansion patterns based on the targeted correction areas within the nasomaxillary complex.