Structural Evaluation of Chitosan-Bioactive Glass Coating on We43 Magnesium Alloy: A Preliminary in Vitro Study

Background: Orthodontic mini implants are conventionally made from materials such as Titanium, Stainless steel Cobalt-Chromium alloys, ect.This study was conducted to evaluate the displacement of anterior teeth when using three different mini-implant materials for direct anchorage in a Finite Element Model. Methods and Materials: A Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of maxillary arch was used to generate a 3 Dimensional model. The position of the mini-implant was planned between the roots of the second premolar and molar to provide anchorage for anterior retraction. The force levels were simulated at 250g per side. Three Finite element models were generated for the use of different mini implant materials- I: Titanium (Ti6Al4V), II: Stainless steel, III: Magnesium alloy (WE43 alloy). Results: In the sagittal and vertical plane, the greatest anterior tooth movement was seen using Magnesium, followed by Titanium, and least with Stainless steel. In case of posterior teeth, all three groups presented in the same range of minimal movement, in sagittal and vertical planes. Conclusion:The simulation of retraction of anterior teeth using Finite Element Modelling allows a standardized simulation of biomechanical outcomes. Further clinical and invitro studies can correlate the findings of this simulation.