ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Finite element analysis of the effect of force

directions on tooth movement in extraction space
closure with miniscrew sliding mechanics
Yukio Kojima,a Jun Kawamura,b and Hisao Fukuic
Nagoya, Japan

Introduction: Miniscrews placed in bone have been used as orthodontic anchorage in extraction space closure
with sliding mechanics. The movement patterns of the teeth depend on the force directions. To move the teeth in
a desired pattern, the appropriate direction of force must be selected. The purpose of this article is to clarify the
relationship between force directions and movement patterns. Methods: By using the finite element method, or-
thodontic movements were simulated based on the remodeling law of the alveolar bone. The power arm length
and the miniscrew position were varied to change the force directions. Results: When the power arm was length-
ened, rotation of the entire maxillary dentition decreased. The posterior teeth were effective for preventing rota-
tion of the anterior teeth through an archwire. In cases of a high position of a miniscrew, bodily tooth movement
was almost achieved. The vertical component of the force produced intrusion or extrusion of the entire dentition.
Conclusions: Within the limits of the method, the mechanical simulations demonstrated the effect of force di-
rection on movement patterns. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2012;142:501-8)

S
liding mechanics is a typical method for extrac-
tion space closure. Friction is produced between
the wire and the bracket but is not detrimental
to the anchorage.1-3 The brackets slide along a stiff
archwire so that bodily tooth movement can be easily
achieved. This is an advantage over segmental or
sectional mechanics, in which elaborate loop designs
of the retraction spring are necessary.
In conventional sliding mechanics with intraoral an-
chorage, forces are applied to the anterior and posterior
teeth.4,5 Both forces are canceled out in the whole force
system consisting of the anterior and posterior teeth.
Therefore, the entire dentition does not rotate in the
sagittal plane. Alternatively, movement of the
anchorage teeth is unavoidable.
a
Associate professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nagoya Institute
of Technology, Nagoya, Japan.
b
Postgraduate student, Department of Dental Materials Science, School of
Dentistry, Aichi-Gakuin University, Nagoya, Japan.
c
Professor, Department of Dental Materials Science, School of Dentistry, Aichi-
Gakuin University, Nagoya, Japan.
The authors report no commercial, proprietary, or financial interest in the
products or companies described in this article.
Reprint requests to: Yukio Kojima, Department of Mechanical Engineering, “Shi-
kumi” College, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya,
466-8555, Japan; e-mail, kojima.yukio@nitech.ac.jp.
Submitted, December 2011; revised and accepted, May 2012.
0889-5406/$36.00
Copyright Ó 2012 by the American Association of Orthodontists.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2012.05.014
Miniscrews placed in bone have recently been used
for orthodontic anchorage in sliding mechanics.6-9
This method—miniscrew sliding mechanics—eliminates
anchorage problems and easily achieves en-masse re-
traction of the anterior teeth. However, the orthodontic
force applied from the miniscrew is an external force in
the whole force system. This force can rotate the entire
dentition in the sagittal plane; ie, the direction of the
force has a great influence on the movement pattern
of the teeth. To move the teeth in a desired pattern,
the appropriate direction of the force must be selected.
Therefore, the relationship between the force direction
and the movement pattern should be clarified.
Schematic diagrams of movement patterns in mini-
screw sliding mechanics have been presented for various
force directions.10 These diagrams will be valid qualita-
tively and provide useful suggestions for treatment
planning, but quantitative studies are also necessary for
precise predictions of movement patterns. On the initial
movements immediately after applying a force,
finite element methods have been used to calculate move-
ment patterns in miniscrew sliding mechanics.11-13
However, the initial movement is generally different from
the orthodontic movement. In the case of conventional
sliding mechanics, the anterior teeth tipped
independently in the initial movement but moved bodily
in orthodontic movement.2 This difference is due to
a change in the force system during tooth movement.
501
502
Therefore, orthodontic movement cannot be predicted
from the initial movement or the initial force system.
The purpose of this article is to clarify the relationship
between force direction and movement patterns in the
extraction space closure with miniscrew sliding mechan-
ics. For this purpose, orthodontic movements were sim-
ulated by using the finite element method.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
After extraction of the maxillary first premolars, the 6
anterior teeth were retracted distally by miniscrew slid-
ing mechanics. Assuming symmetry for both sides of
the arch, a model of only the left side was fabricated.
Elastic deformation of the archwire was calculated by
using the finite element method. The archwire was
made from a stainless steel wire (Young’s modulus,
200 GPa), 0.01830.025 in (0.45730.635 mm) and
was divided into 3-dimensional elastic beam elements.
The mechanical response of a tooth supported with
the periodontal ligament was replaced by the tooth ele-
ment. It represents the 3-dimensional movement pro-
duced by elastic deformation of the periodontal
ligament when forces and moments act on a tooth. The
calculation method for the tooth element was explained
in detail in a previous article.14 In this method, the tooth
and the alveolar bone were assumed to be rigid bodies,
whereas the periodontal ligament was a linear elastic
film (Young’s modulus, 0.13 MPa; Poisson’s ratio, 0.45)
with a uniform thickness of 0.2 mm. These elastic moduli
were determined so that the initial tooth mobility of the
maxillary first premolar calculated by the finite element
method was consistent with that measured in vivo.15
This procedure was explained in a previous article.16
To calculate the tooth elements, surface models of the
tooth were made based on a dental study model (i21D-
400C; Nissin Dental Products, Kyoto, Japan). This proce-
dure consists of 3 steps. First, sectional images of the
dental study model were taken by using dental cone-
beam computed tomography (AZ300CT; Asahi Roent-
gen, Kyoto, Japan). Second, by using 3-dimensional
modeling software (3D-Doctor; Able Software, Lexing-
ton, Mass), a stereolithographic model was constructed,
the surface of which was patched with small triangular
plates. Third, the sterolithographic model was converted
to a finite element model by using meshing software
(AI*Environment; ANSYS, Canonsburg, Pa).
The bracket slot was 0.018 in, which was the same
size as the archwire. Brackets of the anterior teeth
were ligated firmly to the archwire. On these teeth, the
archwire and the brackets moved as 1 united body. Alter-
natively, brackets of the posterior teeth were loosely li-
gated to the archwire so that they would slide along
October 2012  Vol 142  Issue 4 American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Kojima, Kawamura, and Fukui
the archwire, but sagittal rotation of the archwire was re-
stricted by bracket slots of 3 mm in width.
Kinetic friction was produced in the posterior teeth
when the archwire slid through the bracket slots. This
friction force tended to move the posterior teeth in a dis-
tal direction. The frictional coefficient was assumed to
be m 5 0.15 based on the experimental data.17,18
Miniscrews were placed between the second premo-
lars and the first molars in a low position of 4 mm or
in a high position of 8 mm gingivally to the archwire.
Power arms were bonded to the archwire between the
lateral incisors and the canines. The power arms were
made from stainless steel wire (Young’s modulus, 200
GPa), 0.01830.025 in (0.45730.635 mm). Orthodontic
forces were applied to the power arms from the mini-
screws. A line joining the miniscrew with the power
arm is the line of action of the force (Fig 1). According
to clinical cases, the magnitude of the orthodontic force
was assumed to be 1.5 N (150 gf).7-9 To change the force
direction, the length of the power arms was varied from
1, 4, and 8 mm.
This simulation method is closely related to that in 2
previous articles.2,14 Therefore, only the outline and the
assumptions of the method are explained below.
Orthodontic movement was achieved by 3 steps.
First, forces and moments acting on the teeth were cal-
culated by using the finite element model. Second, the
amount and direction of movement for each tooth
were calculated based on the stresses induced in the
periodontal ligament. Third, according to these amounts
and directions, the teeth moved. When these 3 steps
were repeated, the teeth moved step by step. The force
system acting on the teeth was updated during each
step. We developed a computer program for executing
this procedure. A postprocessor for the finite element
method (FEMAP version 6.0; Enterprise Software
Products, Exton, Pa) was used for illustrating tooth
movements and deformations of archwire.
Calculations of the amount and direction of ortho-
dontic tooth movement were based on resorption and
apposition of the alveolar bone (bone remodeling). The
bone-remodeling rate was assumed to be in proportion
to the mean stress in the periodontal ligament. Tooth
movement depends on parameter CT, where coefficient
C is the amount of bone remodeling (resorption and ap-
position) (mm) per unit of time (day) and unit of stress
(kPa), and T is the elapsed time in days. Then, the unit
of the CT becomes mm/kPa. Because a reasonable value
of C was unknown, the progress of tooth movement was
indicated by the parameter CT.
The center of resistance could not be defined for the
entire dentition, since the position of the anterior teeth
relative to the posterior teeth varied with space closing.
Kojima, Kawamura, and Fukui
Fig 1. Centers of resistance of the anterior teeth (CR1)
and posterior teeth (CR2), and the line of action of the ap-
plied force (F). H, Horizontal component; L, distance to
CR1; V, vertical component.
Instead of that, the centers of resistance were calculated
for the 6 anterior teeth and the 6 posterior teeth. These
centers of resistance were defined in the same way as for
1 tooth: ie, the tooth segment could translate without
rotation when applying a force to the center of resis-
tance. The method for determining the location of the
center of resistance was explained in a previous article.19
RESULTS
Figure 1 shows the initial locations of the centers of
resistance in the anterior and posterior teeth. Figure 2 il-
lustrates orthodontic tooth movement at CT 5 1200
mm/kPa for the low-position miniscrew, when the length
of the power arm is changed to 1, 4, and 8 mm. Initial
tooth positions are illustrated in Figure 2 with muted
red outlines. The central incisors moved distally by ap-
proximately 5 mm. The amounts of extrusion of the cen-
tral incisor, distal movement of the second premolar, and
intrusion of the second molar are shown in Figure 2.
Current locations of the centers of resistance for the an-
terior and posterior teeth are indicated with solid circles.
For the high-position miniscrew, tooth movements at
CT 5 1200 mm/kPa are illustrated in Figure 3. The cen-
tral incisors moved distally by approximately 4 mm but
did not extrude. Figure 4 illustrates tooth movement
at CT 5 1200 mm/kPa for the high-position miniscrew,
when the power arm of the 8-mm length was shifted to
the canine bracket. This movement pattern was similar
to that in Figure 3, C. The anterior teeth could move
bodily irrespective of the positions of power arm.
DISCUSSION
The effects of the force direction on the movement
patterns can be understood by observing Figures 2 and
3. Their mechanics are discussed in this section.
In sliding mechanics, force and moment acted on the
anterior teeth from the posterior teeth through the
American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
503
archwire. The posterior teeth behaved as anchorage for
preventing rotation (tip) of the entire dentition. When
the line of action of force passed below the center of re-
sistance of the anterior teeth, a counterclockwise mo-
ment acted on the anterior teeth. The magnitude of
this moment is proportional to the distance L in
Figure 1. When the anchorage of the posterior teeth
was not enough, the entire dentition rotated. This rota-
tion resulted in extrusion of the incisors and intrusion of
the molars. Elastic deformation of the archwire was also
a cause of rotation of the anterior teeth: the archwire
bowed as shown in Figures 2, A, and 3, A.
In cases of the low-position miniscrew (Fig 2), when
lengthening the power arm, rotation of the entire denti-
tion decreased with a decrease in L. In all cases in
Figure 2, the line of action of force passed below the
center of resistance of the posterior teeth; this was not
effective for preventing rotation of the entire dentition.
In cases of the high-position miniscrew (Fig 3), the dis-
tance L was smaller than that of low-position mini-
screws. In addition, the line of action of force passed
above the center of resistance of the posterior teeth;
this prevented rotation of the entire dentition. There-
fore, the anterior teeth could move almost bodily with
the high-position miniscrew.
If a clockwise rotation of the entire dentition is
desired, a longer power arm or a higher-position mini-
screw will be necessary. However, the long arm is un-
comfortable for patients, and it is difficult to place the
miniscrew in a higher position. Consequently, clockwise
rotation of the entire dentition might be difficult in clin-
ical treatment.
As mentioned above, the anchorage effect of the pos-
terior teeth is important in sliding mechanics. It enables
a nearly bodily movement of the anterior teeth, even
when the orthodontic force does not pass through the
center of resistance of the anterior teeth. This is an advan-
tage of sliding mechanics. If an anterior tooth segment is
retracted alone without sliding mechanics, rotation of the
segment will be sensitive to the force direction. In that
case, to achieve stable bodily movement, it is necessary
to know the accurate location of the center of resistance
of the anterior teeth and apply a force that passes accu-
rately through it. Also, in the case of the segmented
arch technique, an appropriate moment-to-force ratio
is necessary to achieve bodily tooth movement.
Intrusion or extrusion of the entire dentition depends
on a vertical component of the applied force V, which in-
creases with an increase in the force angle q (Fig 1).
Therefore, the entire dentition can be intruded with
a combination of a short power arm and a high mini-
screw position (Figs 2, A, and 3, A and B). There was
no vertical force V in the case of q 5 0 (Figs 2, B, and
October 2012  Vol 142  Issue 4
504 Kojima, Kawamura, and Fukui

Fig 2. Movement patterns with a low-position miniscrew placed 4 mm gingivally to the archwire. In all
cases, the entire dentitions rotate, because the lines of action of the force pass below both centers of
resistance (CR1 and CR2). Rotation and intrusion of the entire dentition decreases with an increase in
the length of the power arm. A, Power arm 1 mm in length; B, power arm 4 mm in length; C, power arm
8 mm in length.

3, C); then the entire dentition neither intruded nor ex-
truded. In the case of a short power arm (Fig 2, B), the
entire dentition rotated, because the line of action of
force passed below the centers of resistance of the ante-
rior and posterior teeth. When the upper end of the
power arm was higher than the miniscrew position, the
entire dentition slightly extruded (Fig 2, C).
Rotation of the arch produced distal movement of
the posterior teeth. However, in the absence of rotation
(Fig 3, C), the second premolar moved distally by 0.9
mm. This magnitude is approximately a quarter of the
movement of the anterior teeth. In conventional sliding
mechanics, the posterior anchorage teeth moved mesi-
ally by approximately half of the distal movement of

October 2012  Vol 142  Issue 4 American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Kojima, Kawamura, and Fukui 505

Fig 3. Movement patterns with a high-position miniscrew placed 8 mm gingivally to the archwire. In all
cases, rotations of the entire dentition are smaller than those in the case of low-position miniscrews;
the anterior teeth move almost bodily, because the lines of action of the force shift closer to the center
of resistance of the anterior teeth (CR1) and pass above the center of resistance of the posterior
teeth (CR2). Rotation and intrusion of the entire dentition decrease with an increase in the length of
the power arm. A, Power arm 1 mm in length; B, power arm 4 mm in length; C, power arm 8 mm in
length.

the anterior teeth.2 Less movement of the posterior teeth
is an advantage for miniscrew sliding mechanics over
conventional sliding mechanics.
To evaluate the dependence of the direction of the
angle of force on the displacement pattern of the
maxillary teeth, Lee et al20 carried out a reliable and
quantitative measurement in a clinical situation. They
showed that a group of high-angle forces (q 5
18.87 ) had significantly greater intrusion than did
a group of low-angle forces (q 5 12.55 ). This

American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics October 2012  Vol 142  Issue 4
506
Fig 4. Movement pattern with the power arm of 8-mm length bonded to the canine bracket. This move-
ment pattern is almost the same as that in Figure 2, C. The anterior teeth can move bodily irrespective of
the position of the power arm.
dependency is consistent with our simulation results
(Figs 2 and 3).
Initial movements in miniscrew sliding mechanics
have been calculated by using precise finite element
method models. In 1 model, the movement pattern of
the posterior teeth changed in regard to whether the
power arm was located mesially or distally of the ca-
nine.11 In other models, there was no bodily movement
of the anterior teeth, but there was tipping.12,13 These 3
results differed from those we obtained, where the
anterior teeth could move bodily irrespective of the
positions of a power arm 8 mm in length (Figs 3, C,
and 4). This is due to the difference between the initial
tooth movement and the orthodontic movement. During
tooth movement, the force system varied, changing the
movement pattern. Although the calculated results of
the initial movement provide useful information at the
moment of application of force, they will not predict
the pattern of orthodontic movement.
The simulations in this study were based on mechan-
ical laws, and their results are valid only within the limits
of the assumptions. This method might not be sufficient
for predicting orthodontic tooth movements in clinical
situations. Assumptions used in the method are dis-
cussed below.
The stress-strain relationship of the periodontal liga-
ment has strong nonlinearity; ie, Young’s modulus rap-
idly increases with an increase in applied force. In
a previous article, we demonstrated that the nonlinear
property of the periodontal ligament had almost no ef-
fect on orthodontic tooth movement.16 Therefore, we
assumed that the periodontal ligament was a linear elas-
tic material in this study. This assumption enabled the
simulation method to be simple. The elastic moduli of
October 2012  Vol 142  Issue 4 American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Kojima, Kawamura, and Fukui
the periodontal ligament—Young’s modulus E and
Poisson’s ratio n—were selected for a light force level.
We determined that E 5 0.13 MPa and n 5 0.45 by
referring to the mobility of the teeth.15 In that case,
buccolingual and axial movements of the maxillary first
premolar became 30 and 15 mm, respectively, when
applying a force of 1 N (100 g). These amounts of
movement are reasonable.
Elastic deformations of the alveolar bone and the
teeth are negligible, because their Young’s moduli
are much larger than those of the periodontal liga-
ment. Therefore, the alveolar bone and the teeth
were assumed to be rigid bodies when stress in the
periodontal ligament was calculated. To validate this
assumption, we carried out preliminary finite
element calculations. For this purpose, we made
a 3-dimensional finite element model, in which a max-
illary first premolar was supported by the alveolar bone
through the periodontal ligament. Two types of elastic
modulus of the alveolar bone and tooth were assumed.
One type was the actual elastic modulus, and the other
was an extremely large elastic modulus that corre-
sponded to rigid bodies. Irrespective of the elastic
moduli, the same amount of tooth movement and
the same stress distribution of the periodontal liga-
ment were obtained when applying orthodontic forces.
This means that the alveolar bone and the tooth can be
assumed to be rigid bodies.
During clinical treatment, various forces act con-
stantly on the maxillary teeth from the mandibular teeth,
the tongue, and the cheek. The amount and direction of
these forces are indefinite, and their effect on orthodon-
tic movement is not clear. Therefore, these forces are not
considered in the simulation method.
Kojima, Kawamura, and Fukui
The archwire was assumed to have the same size as
the bracket slot. The same assumption was also used
in other finite element analyses.11 However, in clinical
situations, archwires with smaller sizes than the bracket
slots have been used.6-9 In such cases, there are some
spaces between the archwires and the bracket slots.
The bracket can rotate in this space; thereby, root
labial tip will occur in the anterior teeth. This
secondary tip will be added to the movement of the
entire dentition. This phenomenon should be noted in
clinical situations. In our next article, we plan to
discuss tooth movements originating in the space
between the archwire and the bracket slot.
The actual time required for tooth movement could
not be estimated in this simulation method, because
the parameter C (bone resorption rate) was unknown.
Therefore, the progress of tooth movement was
indicated by the parameter CT. However, C could be
estimated from tooth movements in clinical situa-
tions.21,22 For example, Upadhyay et al21 carried out
a randomized controlled trial for mini-implant sliding
mechanics, in which anterior teeth were retracted about
6 mm in 8.6 months (258 days). If the speed of move-
ment is constant, the anterior teeth will move about 5
mm in 200 days. In our simulations, the anterior teeth
moved 5 mm in CT 5 1200 mm/kPa; ie, the C was esti-
mated at 6 mm/(kPa･day). If this value is validated in the
future, the actual time required for tooth movement will
be predictable with this simulation method.
Until now, we have developed 2 methods for simulat-
ing orthodontic tooth movements. One method, used in
this study, was based on a remodeling law of the alveolar
bone.1,2,14,19 However, the bone remodeling law is
not validated, because the biologic mechanism of
orthodontic tooth movement has not been fully
clarified. We therefore developed another method, in
which the teeth moved by repeating the initial tooth
movement.16 The other method is easily understandable
but requires too much computation time, especially
when many teeth are connected with an archwire. Con-
sequently, the method based on the initial tooth move-
ment was not used in this study. To compare the 2
simulation methods, we have simulated orthodontic
tooth movements in canine retraction with a T-loop
spring.16 Their movement patterns were almost the
same, irrespective of the simulation methods. The
same result is expected in space closing with miniscrew
sliding mechanics. In the future, the simulation method
must be verified based on comparisons between tooth
movements simulated by this method and those ob-
served in the clinical setting. Dependence of the direc-
tion angle of force on movement patterns of the
maxillary dentition obtained here was also observed in
American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
507
a clinical study.20 However, additional quantitative com-
parisons are necessary to validate the simulation
method.
Calculation models of the teeth used in this study
were based on cone-beam computed tomography im-
ages. This method can be used for making individual
tooth models and enables us to simulate the orthodontic
tooth movement for each patient. This will be helpful for
clinical treatment planning.
CONCLUSIONS
In en-masse space closure with miniscrew sliding
mechanics, the orthodontic movements of the maxillary
dentition were simulated by the finite element method.
The relationship between the force direction and the
movement patterns was clarified. When the power
arm was lengthened, rotation of the entire dentition
decreased. The posterior teeth were effective for
preventing rotation of the anterior teeth. In cases of
the high-position miniscrew, bodily tooth movement
was almost achieved. The vertical component of the
force produced intrusion or extrusion of the entire
dentition.
REFERENCES
1. Kojima Y, Fukui H, Miyajima K. The effect of friction and flex-
ural rigidity of the archwire on canine movement in sliding me-
chanics: a numerical simulation with a 3-dimensional finite
element method. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2006;130:
275.e1-10.
2. Kojima Y, Fukui H. Numerical simulations of en-masse space clo-
sure with sliding mechanics. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop
2010;138:702.e1-6.
3. Southard TE, Marshall SD, Grosland NM. Friction does not increase
anchorage loading. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2007;131:
412-4.
4. McLaughlin RP, Bennett JC. The transition from standard edge-
wise to preadjusted appliance system. J Clin Orthod 1989;23:
142-53.
5. Bennnett JC, McLaughlin RP. Controlled space closure with a pre-
adjusted appliance system. J Clin Orthod 1990;24:251-60.
6. Park HS, Bae SM, Kyung HM, Sung JH. Micro-implant anchorage
for treatment of skeletal Class I bialveolar protrusion. J Clin Orthod
2001;35:417-22.
7. Park HS, Kwon TG. Sliding mechanics with miniscrew implant an-
chorage. Angle Orthod 2004;74:703-10.
8. Park HS, Kwon OW, Sung JH. Microscrew implant anchorage slid-
ing mechanics. World J Orthod 2005;6:265-74.
9. Park HS, Yoon DY, Park CS, Jeoung SH. Treatment effects and an-
chorage potential of sliding mechanics with titanium screws com-
pared with the Tweed-Merrifield technique. Am J Orthod
Dentofacial Orthop 2008;133:593-600.
10. Sung JH, Kyung HM, Bae SM, Park HS, Kwon OW, McNamara
JA. Microimplants in orthodontics. Daegu, Korea: Dentos;
2006.
11. Tominaga J, Tanaka M, Koga Y, Gonzales C, Kobayashi M,
Yoshida N. Optimal loading conditions for controlled movement
October 2012  Vol 142  Issue 4
508
of anterior teeth in sliding mechanics. Angle Orthod 2009;79:
1102-7.
12. Sung SJ, Jang GW, Chen YS, Moon YS. Effective en-masse retraction
design with orthodontic mini-implant anchorage: a finite element
analysis. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2010;137:648-57.
13. Lee EH, Yu HS, Lee KJ, Park YC. Three dimensional finite element
analysis of continuous and segmented arch with use of orthodon-
tic miniscrew. Korean J Orthod 2011;41:237-54.
14. Kojima Y, Mizuno Y, Fukui H. A numerical simulation of tooth
movement produced by molar uprighting spring. Am J Orthod
Dentofacial Orthop 2007;132:630-8.
15. Goto T. Experimental study in the physiological mobility of the
tooth. Shikwa Gakuho 1971;71:1415-44.
16. Kojima Y, Fukui H. Numerical simulations of canine retraction with
T-loop springs based on the updated moment-to-force ratio. Eur J
Orthod 2012;34:10-8.
17. Kusy RP, Whitley JQ. Effects of surface roughness on the coeffi-
cients of friction in model orthodontic systems. J Biomech 1990;
23:913-25.
October 2012  Vol 142  Issue 4 American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Kojima, Kawamura, and Fukui
18. Kusy RP, Schafer DL. Effect of salivary viscosity on friction coeffi-
cients of orthodontic archwire/bracket couples. J Materials Sci Ma-
terials in Medicine 1995;6:390-5.
19. Kojima Y, Fukui H. A finite element simulation of initial move-
ment, orthodontic movement, and the centre of resistance of the
maxillary teeth connected with an archwire. Eur J Orthod 2011
Nov 2 [Epub ahead of print].
20. Lee KJ, Park YC, Hwang CJ, Kim YJ, Choi TH, Yoo HM, et al. Dis-
placement pattern of the maxillary arch depending on miniscrew
position in sliding mechanics. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop
2011;140:224-32.
21. Upadhyay M, Yadav S, Nagaraj K, Pautil S. Treatment effect of
mini-implants for en-masse retraction of anterior teeth in bialveo-
lar dental protrusion patients: a randomized controlled trial. Am J
Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2008;134:18-29.
22. Basha AG, Shantaraj R, Mogegowda SB. Comparative study be-
tween conventional en-masse retraction (sliding mechanics) and
en-masse retraction using orthodontic micro implant. Implant
Dent 2010;19:128-36.