Stress distribution in a photoelastic model resulting from intrusion of mandibular incisors using Ricketts utility arch

Objective: This study aimed to investigate stress distribution in a photoelastic model generated by Ricketts Utility Arch (RUA), also known as Ricketts base arch, for intrusion of mandibular incisors. Stresses in the root thirds of each incisor were compared and the existence of differences in the concentration of stresses between the incisors was also examined. Methods: Fifteen intrusion RUAs were fabricated. Activation force was set at 50 gf in the midline region. The photoelastic model was observed in a circular polariscope in dark field configuration and photographed. Frontal view photographs were analyzed and fringe orders recorded in each region. Weighted Kappa analysis was used to identify method repeatability. Comparison between stresses was performed by Kruskal-Wallis test and complemented by Dunn’s test at 5% alpha level. Results and Conclusions: Results showed that the major stress magnitudes were found in cervical regions. By comparing fringe orders between teeth the major stress magnitudes were found to be in the central incisors. Cervical regions and central incisors may therefore be more prone to resorption given their greater stresses. Abstract