Simplifying two-vector mechanics calculations for challenging tooth movements

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to describe a simple graphical driven method for determining the necessary two-vector mechanics (TVM) as an alternative solution to the ideal or single force. In orthodontics, some tooth movements are difficult to achieve, mainly because of the impossibility of getting the point of application for the necessary force system. Given two points in biomechanically accessible areas, adding together two vectors applied to those points will result in an equivalent force system. The method was developed based on previous research, 3,880 hypothetical cases were analyzed to determine the trends between the resulting forces and their relative locations. A graphical driven TVM method (GTVM) for establishing the necessary TVM is presented in a manner that combine different procedures from the traditional method that simplify the analysis and may allow the user to perform more complex orthodontic cases making easier to compare systems of force equivalents.

Keywords:

• Biomechanical phenomena
• mathematical model
• orthodontic anchorage procedures
• tooth movement
• treatment plan

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.