Evaluation of the Effects of the Dental and Skeletal Anchored Face Mask Therapies on the Craniofacial System by Using Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effects on the craniofacial complex of skeletal anchorage and dental anchorage during face mask therapy. Subjects and Methods: Two nonlinear finite element (FE) simulations were performed using a three-dimensional FE model. Face mask therapy with dental anchorage in the upper canines and face mask therapy with skeletal anchorage in the piriform apertures of the maxilla were simulated. In both simulations, the magnitude of the applied force was 750 g per side, and the force direction was 30 degrees forward and downward relative to the occlusal plane. Results: The circummaxillary sutures showed greater and more uniform stresses in the skeletal anchorage model than the dental anchorage model. This is the result of the more parallel forward movement of the maxilla in the skeletal anchorage model. Conclusions: In Class III malocclusions with maxillary deficiency, for improved effects on the maxilla, choosing skeletal anchorage may be more effective in face mask therapie