Biomechanical effects of Teuscher activator in hyperdivergent Class II malocclusion treatment : a finite element analysis

Background In orthodontic treatment, the combination of an activator with a headgear is commonly used in treatment of the hyperdivergent Class II malocclusion. However, the distribution of stresses transmitted to the maxilla by these appliances has been little studied. This study aimed to compare the biomechanical effects of stresses transmitted to the maxilla and teeth by a Teuscher activator (TA) for different lines of action of extraoral force, using finite element analysis. Material and Methods A tridimensional finite element model of the maxilla and teeth was created based on the true geometry of a human skull. The (TA) and the face bow were designed in 3D computer-aided design and fix…