Estudo comparativo de diferentes prescri？？es de braquetes pré-ajustados em modelos virtuais pelo Método de Elementos Finitos

aim: the aim of the present study was to compare the effects of different prescriptions on anterior superior tooth movement simulation through a finite element method (fem). methods: it was utilized a 3d model, which was comprised of an upper left central and lateral incisors, and a upper left cuspid. these elements were subjected to force vectors which simulated tip and torque pre-adjustments of alexander, andrews, capelozza, mbt, ricketts, and roth brackets. after the referred simulation, data concerning the spatial displacement of the incisal and apical points were registered in order to determine the position newly assumed by the teeth long axis, as well as its constituent points. results: most of the prescriptions reacted similarly to the simulation, regarding to the evaluated parameters. however, significant differences were found. ricketts' lateral incisor presented the smallest buccal inclination of its long axis. moreover, ricketts' upper left cuspid presented the greatest mesial and buccal inclination of its long axis. a qualitative analysis performed with the upper central incisor indicated that there was a larger distal movement of the apical points for the prescriptions whose authors advocated the greatest tip values (andrews, capelozza, roth and alexander). furthermore, it was observed pronounced crown buccal displacements for the prescriptions whose authors indicated greatest torque values (ricketts, mbt, alexander and roth).