Three-dimensional deformation of orthodontic brackets
- 1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- 2Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Dentistry/Pharmacy Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Jason P Carey, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 5-8T, Mechanical Engineering Building, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2G8, Canada. Email: jpcarey{at}ualberta.ca
Abstract
Braces are used by orthodontists to correct the misalignment of teeth in the mouth. Archwire rotation is a particular procedure used to correct tooth inclination. Wire rotation can result in deformation to the orthodontic brackets, and an orthodontic torque simulator has been designed to examine this wire–bracket interaction. An optical technique has been employed to measure the deformation due to size and geometric constraints of the orthodontic brackets. Images of orthodontic brackets are collected using a stereo microscope and two charge-coupled device cameras, and deformation of orthodontic brackets is measured using a three-dimensional digital image correlation technique. The three-dimensional deformation of orthodontic brackets will be evaluated. The repeatability of the three-dimensional digital image correlation measurement method was evaluated by performing 30 archwire rotation tests using the same bracket and archwire. Finally, five Damon 3MX and five In-Ovation R self-ligating brackets will be compared using this technique to demonstrate the effect of archwire rotation on bracket design.
Article Notes
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Declaration of conflicting interests The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
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Funding This research was funded by the University of Alberta Research project RES0003931 and the Dr Reyburn McIntyre fund.
- © The Author(s) 2013
