Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40615830›Full record

ArticleBMC oral health2025

The effects of anterior spaces on the intrusion of mandibular incisors with clear aligners in extraction cases: a finite-element analysis.

Lei Liang, Lu Liu, Yuan Cao, Zhiwei Wang, Ni Li, Yanjiao Li, Fang Jin

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC oral health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. [Advancements in biomechanics and orthodontic strategies for clear aligner therapy].Hua xi kou qiang yi xue za zhi = Huaxi kouqiang yixue zazhi = West China journal of stomatology · 2026
    Pooled it
  2. Article
  3. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Lei Liang *Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Air Force Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Xi'an, China.
Lu Liu *Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Air Force Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Xi'an, China.
Yuan CaoDepartment of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Air Force Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Xi'an, China.
Zhiwei WangDepartment of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Air Force Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Xi'an, China.
Ni LiXi'an International University, Xi'an, China.
Yanjiao LiDepartment of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Air Force Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Xi'an, China. ls781076360@163.com.
Fang JinDepartment of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Air Force Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Xi'an, China. jinfang@fmmu.edu.cn.

Funding

Augmented homologous recombination as a mechanism of acquired temozolomide resistance in glioblastomaR21CA202403 · NCI · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · PI BURMA, SANDEEP · 2016 to 2017
$388k
National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases LCA202403NCI NIH HHS R21 CA202403
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe intrusion of mandibular incisors presents significant challenges for orthodontists utilizing clear aligner therapy, primarily due to issues such as reduced accuracy in achieving intrusion and unexpected tipping movements. This study aims to investigate the biomechanical effects of varying anterior tooth spaces on the intrusion of mandibular incisors in extraction cases, offering insights that may enhance treatment outcomes.

methodsA finite element model was created, encompassing the mandibular dentition (excluding first premolars), mandible, periodontal ligaments, and clear aligners. Vertical rectangular attachments were strategically placed on the canines, second premolars, and first molars. Five model groups were constructed based on the size of the spaces between anterior teeth: G0 (no space), G1 (0.20 mm), G2 (0.40 mm), G3 (0.60 mm), and G4 (0.80 mm). The iterative method was employed to simulate orthodontic tooth movement under a mechanical load applied by clear aligners with a 0.20 mm intrusion step, prior to space closure achieved through sequential distalization of the anterior teeth in extraction cases.

resultsThe application of clear aligner therapy resulted in minimal intrusion of incisors accompanied by significant labiolingual tipping when no anterior spaces were present. However, moderate spacing (0.60 mm) significantly enhanced the amount of intrusive displacement while reducing labiolingual displacements. With the introduction of space, the Von Mises stress within the periodontal ligament was distributed more evenly across the incisors. Notably, moderate spacing optimized the distribution of Von Mises stress from the clear aligner in the anterior region, facilitating a more bodily movement pattern during intrusion rather than excessive tipping.

conclusionInefficient tooth intrusion and unintended tipping movements frequently arise in extraction cases treated with clear aligners. Our findings indicate that moderate spacing between anterior teeth is more effective in promoting bodily intrusion of mandibular incisors. It is recommended that appropriate spacing be incorporated into treatment planning to enhance the efficiency of intrusion, thereby minimizing labiolingual tipping movements.

trial registrationNot applicable.

Indexed as

Finite Element AnalysisIncisorOrthodontic Appliance DesignOrthodontic Appliances, RemovableTooth ExtractionTooth Movement TechniquesBicuspidBiomechanical PhenomenaComputer SimulationCuspidDental Stress AnalysisHumansMandibleMolarOrthodontic Space ClosurePeriodontal LigamentAnterior teethClear alignerExtractionFinite element studyTooth intrusion

Identifiers

PMID40615830
PMCPMC12231724

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.