In the field of orthodontics, the use of Removable
Thermoplastic Appliances (RTAs) to treat moderate malocclusion
problems is progressively replacing traditional fixed
brackets. Generally, these orthodontic devices are designed
on the basis of individual anatomies and customised requirements.
However, many elements may affect the effectiveness
of a RTA-based therapy: accuracies of anatomical reference
models, clinical treatment strategies, shape features
and mechanical properties of the appliances. In this paper, a
numerical model for customised orthodontic treatments planning
is proposed by means of the finite element method.
The model integrates individual patient’s teeth, periodontal
ligaments, bone tissue with structural and geometrical
attributes of the appliances. The anatomical tissues are reconstructed
by a multi-modality imaging technique, which combines
3D data obtained by an optical scanner (visible tissues)
and a computerised tomography system (internal tissues).
The mechanical interactions between anatomical shapes and
appliance models are simulated through finite element analyses.
The numerical approach allows a dental technician to
predict how the RTA attributes affect tooth movements. In
this work, treatments considering rotation movements for a
maxillary incisor and a maxillary canine have been analysed
by using multi-tooth models
