Effect of Different Surface Designs on the Rotational Resistance and Stability of Orthodontic Miniscrews: A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Study.

ABSTRACT

High orthodontic forces and various directions of applied forces can be associated with loosening of the screw anchorage in the bone. Screw designs have been modified to increase the stability of the miniscrews. This research evaluates the influence of three-designs on the stability of orthodontic miniscrews. A conventionally cylinder-type miniscrew design (Bio-Action screw, Jin-Biomed co., Bucheon, Korea) was set as a control, and three conditions were studied based on modifications of this control design. Condition-1 has narrowed threads in the upper part of the screw; Condition-2 has a notch at the middle part; and Condition-3 has the combination of Condition-1 and Condition-2. The moment required to unwind the miniscrew to five degrees is tested, and the moment generated at the cortical bone and the trabecular bone were calculated with finite element analysis. Compared to the control, all three conditions showed a higher moment required to unwind the miniscrew and a higher moment generated at the cortical bone. At the trabecular bone, condition-2 and -3 showed higher moment than the control, and condition-1 showed similar moment to the control. Condition-3 required a higher overall moment to unwind the miniscrew. These findings validate the design modifications used to increase the rotational resistance.