Biomechanical effect of dual-dimensional archwire on controlled movement of anterior teeth compared with rectangular archwire: A finite element study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine and compare the effectiveness of the use of the dual-dimensional archwire and conventional rectangular archwire on tooth movement patterns when combined with various lengths of power arms. METHODS: Displacements of the maxillary central incisor and the deformation of the wire section were calculated when applying retraction forces from different lengths of power arms using the finite element method. RESULTS: Torque control of the incisor could be carried out more effectively when using the dual-dimensional archwire combined with long power arms than with the rectangular archwire. The use of the dual-dimensional archwire produced bodily movement of the central incisor at height levels of the power arm between 8 and 10 mm and lingual root tipping at the level of 10 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the dual-dimensional archwire provided better-controlled movement of the incisor, including bodily movement or root movement, than the rectangular archwire.