Effects of miniscrew location on performance of distalization appliance (iPANDA)

Malocclusion is an incorrect positioning of the teeth when the jaws are closed. Several orthodontic devices have been designed to distalize the molar teeth for malocclusion treatment, one of which is the indirect Palatal Miniscrew Anchorage and Distalization Appliance (iPanda). The important component of the iPanda is the miniscrew implant that is inserted along the midline of the palatal bone. As the miniscrew implant is used as an anchor of the distalization device, miniscrew location are important parameters relating to the success of malocclusion treatment. This study aim to verify the optimum insertion site of the miniscrew implant by using finite element method. A 3D model of the miniscrew was virtually inserted into the anterior, middle and posterior part of the palate. The tension load of 200g per side simulating real orthodontic force was applied to the FE model. Stress distribution in the miniscrew and surrounding bone as well as miniscrew displacements are analyzed. The results suggest that the miniscrew should be inserted at the anterior part of the palate. The findings will be subsequently used for further studies relating to the design of iPanda component.