|
|
||||||||
RESEARCH REPORT |
1 Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, D-79106 Freiburg i.Br., Germany; and
2 Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Germany
* corresponding author, bernd.lapatki{at}uniklinik-freiburg.de
| ABSTRACT |
|---|
|
|
|---|
KEY WORDS: smart bracket intelligent bracket force control fixed appliance microsensor
| INTRODUCTION |
|---|
|
|
|---|
Despite these risks and requirements, objective monitoring of all 6 force and moment components applied to the teeth during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances remains an unsolved methodological problem. Although several systems have been introduced for the evaluation of force-moment systems in the laboratory (Solonche et al., 1977; Bourauel et al., 1992; Menghi et al., 1999; Gunduz et al., 2003; Wichelhaus et al., 2004), only one apparatus allowing for 3D force and moment measurements in situ, i.e., on the patient, has been realized (Friedrich et al., 1998). The complex configuration of this system (consisting of separable brackets and an extra-orally supported force-moment transducer) is responsible for several significant limitations hampering clinical application: (1) the long time needed for fixation and adjustment, (2) the impossibility for force-moment systems to be determined simultaneously at several teeth, and (3) the limited measurement accuracy associated with the limited rigidity of the system itself and its support by the movable and resilient facial skin. Simpler alternative techniques for force measurements practicable in the orthodontic office (e.g., spring balances) have similar disadvantages. Moreover, they do not allow for multi-dimensional force and moment measurements. Due to the manipulation of the appliance necessary for the measurementusually the active element (wire, loop, or elastic module) must be uncoupled from the corresponding bracket(s)measurement bias is relatively high, and the unknown amount of friction between the wire and bracket (normally present in the non-manipulated condition) is often not taken into account (Proffit, 2000a).
Previous work in the field of microelectromechanical systems has successfully demonstrated that an encapsulated microelectronic chip equipped with stress sensors can be used for the quantitative determination of externally applied loads (Sweet et al., 1999; Suhling and Jaeger, 2001; Schwizer et al., 2003). Recently, such integrated systems have consisted of multiple diffused silicon resistors distributed over the chip surface (Bartholomeyczik et al., 2005), each capable of measuring 2 different mechanical stress components by exploiting the piezoresistive effect in silicon (Smith, 1954; Tufte and Stelzer, 1963).
The progress in miniaturized sensor systems engineering, together with the limitations of methods for monitoring the forces and moments exerted during orthodontic therapy, has inspired smart bracket development. In previous attempts to apply miniaturized sensors to orthodontic brackets, only a single force component was measured (Tseng et al., 2004). Our approach to brackets was aimed at the quantitative determination of the complete force-moment system exerted by the archwire via the bracket on the tooth, and was based on the hypothesis that the 6 externally applied force and moment components can be reconstructed by measurement of the mechanical stress at multiple locations within the bracket.
The aim of this study was to prove the validity of our hypothesis (1) theoretically, by finite-element simulations, and (2) in practice, by constructing a bracket model (scale of 2.5:1) with an embedded microelectromechanical sensor system, and by examining whether this smart bracket model is capable of quantitatively characterizing externally applied force-moment systems of dimensions within orthodontic therapeutic ranges with sufficient resolution and accuracy.
| MATERIALS & METHODS |
|---|
|
|
|---|
|
|
For calibration, the smart bracket was exposed to 56 representative force-moment combinations (load cases) between ± 1.5 N and ± 15 Nmm that approximately corresponded to therapeutically exerted loads on the teeth (Ricketts et al., 1979; Proffit, 2000a). In this calibration run, we evaluated the interrelations between the stress signals provided by the encapsulated sensor chip and the force-moment systems externally applied to the bracket monitored by the experimental set-up.
To evaluate quantitatively how accurately the calibrated sensor system permits the determination of externally applied force-moment systems, we exposed the smart bracket to a second sequence of 396 load cases.
Data Evaluation and Statistical Analysis
The interrelation between the stress sensor signals and the 6 force and moment components externally applied to the smart bracket model can be mathematically described in a response matrix. Theoretically, the rank of this matrix is 6 even if only 3 sensors providing 2 stress components each are used. However, a stress sensor system providing a larger number of stress sensor signals (i.e., an over-determined system) results in a more accurate estimation of the externally applied force-moment components. Numerical experiments showed that a selection of 24 (out of the 64 available) stress sensor signals was sufficient to establish accurate agreement between externally applied and reconstructed force-moment combinations. The inclusion of additional stress sensor signals led to no further significant improvement. Thus, the externally applied force components Fi and moment components Mi with i = x, y, z can be written as
![]() |
and
![]() |
respectively. The symbols sj with j = 1,...,24 denote the 24 measured sensor signals considered. The quantities aij, ai0, bij, and bi0 are fit parameters that were determined on the basis of the applied force and moment values and the sensor signals of the 56 load cases of the calibration run. We obtained the values of the fit parameters by minimizing the deviation between the applied and inferred force and moment values using least-squares fitting.
We then used these fit parameter values to infer the 6 external force-moment components from the stress sensor signals acquired during the second sequence of 396 load cases. We statistically evaluated the differences between applied and inferred force and moment components by calculating their standard deviations over the 396 load cases separately for each component.
| RESULTS |
|---|
|
|
|---|
Mechanical Experiments
The comparison of the applied force components with the force components inferred from the stress sensor signals showed excellent agreement (Fig. 3
). The standard deviations for the differences between applied and inferred forces were 0.045 N, 0.032 N, and 0.034 N for the 3 components Fx, Fy, and Fz, respectively, with a mean value of 0.037 N.
|
|
| DISCUSSION |
|---|
|
|
|---|
The successful application of internal stress measurements for smart brackets is primarily confronted with the question, addressed in this study, as to whether currently available microsensor systems are sensitive enough to decode the stress profiles resulting from the relatively small forces and moments applied to the teeth during fixed-appliance therapy, e.g., forces and moments in the order of ± 1.5 N and ± 15 Nmm. The advanced stress sensor array chip embedded in our bracket model operates according to the so-called "spinning-current method" (Steiner et al., 1998). This method facilitates both the extraction of 2 stress components and their separation from other undesired transduction effects, such as the magnetic Hall effect and thermoelectric effects. The small standard deviations for the differences between the force-moment components applied externally and the values inferred from the stress sensor signals corroborated the hypothesis that such optimized sensor systems are indeed capable of measuring forces and moments of magnitude relevant for orthodontic therapy, with a sufficient resolution and accuracy. The reason behind the observation of slightly greater differences between applied and inferred moment components when compared with the force components must be subject to further investigation. The jagged course of the graph for the applied moment component Mx suggests that the sensor characteristics of the calibration system play a role in this respect. With regard to measurement accuracy and sensitivity, our approach to smart brackets has significant potential for further improvement. These perspectives are founded on (1) existing technical means of optimizing the stress sensor system (e.g., by using improved integrated amplifiers and analogue-digital converters), and (2) further miniaturization necessary for this principle to be applied to genuine brackets. In fact, in true-scale (i.e., smaller) brackets, forces and moments of the same magnitude act on a smaller cross-section of the bracket base. This leads to higher internal stresses, and thus higher measurement resolution can be expected.
The feasibility of smart brackets demonstrated by this study is highly relevant for the field of orthodontic research and therapy and may prove to be an important milestone in the development of intelligent bracket technology. Our methodology has several advantages: (1) Simultaneous data acquisition is possible for all teeth included in the appliance; (2) all 6 components of the force-moment system can be quantitatively determined; and (3) the forces and moments are measured without manipulation of the appliance (e.g., taking out the archwire), directly at the location where the load is transmitted to the teeth. Thus, the unknown, highly variable friction between the bracket and wire (Kusy and Whitley, 1997) is accounted for, and the real load exerted on the tooth and periodontium is determined. The only forces and moments not taken into account by measurements within the bracket base are those exerted by adjacent or occluding teeth.
A technique for complete monitoring of force-moment systems applied to individual teeth offers attractive perspectives in several respects. First, smart brackets would be highly useful tools for fundamental research, e.g., for experimental studies on tooth movement and for verifying biomechanical theories. Smart bracket systems could also prove to be valuable feedback tools for the education and further training of orthodontists. In this manner, the experience that the clinician needs to move teeth efficiently and with fewer side-effects could be acquired interactively and with objective control. The most attractive perspective is related to the methods potential for clinical application. So far, orthodontists have had to rely substantially on their experience, feeling, and the properties of the wire material. Fixed-appliance therapy has undoubtedly benefited greatly from the development and introduction of innovative materials such as super-elastic wires. However, the use of even such advanced materials does not fully prevent the clinician from applying excessive forces and moments to the teeth, as has recently been confirmed (Fuck and Drescher, 2006).
In conclusion, we have demonstrated, in an enlarged smart bracket model, that quantitative characterization of force-moment systems of dimensions within customary orthodontic therapeutic ranges is possible on the basis of in-plane stress measurements within the bracket base. From a short-term perspective, true-scale smart brackets with wire-mediated data and energy transmission seem already feasible with available technologies. Biomechanical research and the education of orthodontists could benefit significantly from such smart bracket versions. We believe that clinical therapy with intelligent multi-bracket systems has future prospects once the technical challenges concerning telemetric communication and energy transmission have been overcome. Significant contributions can be expected in that respect from parallel research in the fields of wireless sensor networks and telemetry-powered microelectromechanical systems. The future clinical application of smart bracketsfor instance, in teeth or tooth segments requiring movements with a high predisposition for root resorption, or requiring complicated force systemsmay contribute to reducing the negative side-effects of fixed-appliance therapy and increase therapeutic efficiency.
| ACKNOWLEDGMENTS |
|---|
| FOOTNOTES |
|---|
Received May 16, 2006; Last revision September 29, 2006; Accepted October 5, 2006
| REFERENCES |
|---|
|
|
|---|
Bergius M, Kiliaridis S, Berggren U (2000). Pain in orthodontics. A review and discussion of the literature. J Orofac Orthop 61:125137.[Medline]
Bourauel C, Drescher D, Thier M (1992). An experimental apparatus for the simulation of three-dimensional movements in orthodontics. J Biomed Eng 14:371378.[ISI][Medline]
Brezniak N, Wasserstein A (2002). Orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption. Part II: The clinical aspects. Angle Orthod 72:180184.[ISI][Medline]
Burstone CJ (2005). Application of bioengineering to clinical orthodontics. In: Orthodonticscurrent principles and techniques. Graber TM, Vanarsdall RL Jr, Vig KWL, editors. St. Louis: Mosby, Inc., pp. 293330.
Casa MA, Faltin RM, Faltin K, Sander FG, Arana-Chavez VE (2001). Root resorptions in upper first premolars after application of continuous torque moment. Intra-individual study. J Orofac Orthop 62:285295.[Medline]
Chan E, Darendeliler MA (2005). Physical properties of root cementum: Part 5. Volumetric analysis of root resorption craters after application of light and heavy orthodontic forces. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 127:186195.[ISI][Medline]
Friedrich D, Rosarius N, Schwindke P, Rau G, Diedrich P (1998). In vitro testing of a measuring system for in vivo recording of orthodontically applied forces and moments in the multiband technique. Part II. J Orofac Orthop 59:8289.[Medline]
Fuck LM, Drescher D (2006). Force systems in the initial phase of orthodontic treatmenta comparison of different leveling arch wires. J Orofac Orthop 67:618.[Medline]
Gunduz E, Zachrisson BU, Honigl KD, Crismani AG, Bantleon HP (2003). An improved transpalatal bar design. Part I. Comparison of moments and forces delivered by two bar designs for symmetrical molar derotation. Angle Orthod 73:239243.[ISI][Medline]
Kusy RP, Whitley JQ (1997). Friction between different wire-bracket configurations and materials. Semin Orthod 3:166177.[Medline]
Menghi C, Planert J, Melsen B (1999). 3-D experimental identification of force systems from orthodontic loops activated for first order corrections. Angle Orthod 69:4957.[ISI][Medline]
Proffit WR (2000a). Mechanical principles in orthodontic force control. In: Contemporary orthodontics. Proffit WR, Fields HW, editors. St. Louis: Mosby, pp. 326361.
Proffit WR (2000b). The biological basis of orthodontic therapy. In: Contemporary orthodontics. Proffit WR, Fields HW, editors. St. Louis: Mosby, pp. 296325.
Ricketts RM, Bench RW, Gugino CF, Hilgers J, editors (1979). Bioprogressive therapy. Denver: Rocky Mountain Orthodontics, pp. 93109.
Schwizer J, Song WH, Mayer M, Brand O, Baltes H (2003). Packaging test chip for flip-chip and wire bonding process characterization. Transducers 03, Digest of Technical Papers, 12th IEEE International Conference on Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems, Jun 812, 2003, Boston, MA, USA, pp. 440443.
Smith CS (1954). Piezoresistive effect in germanium and silicon. Phys Rev 94:4249.
Solonche DJ, Burstone CJ, Vanderby R Jr (1977). A device for determining the mechanical behavior of orthodontic appliances. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 24:538539.[ISI][Medline]
Steiner R, Haeberli A, Steiner F-P, Maier D, Baltes H (1998). Offset reduction in Hall devices by continuous spinning current. Sens Actuators 66(A):167172.
Suhling JC, Jaeger RC (2001). Silicon piezoresistive stress sensors and their application in electronic packaging. IEEE Sensors J 1:1430.
Sweet JN, Peterson DW, Hsia AH (1999). Design and experimental evaluation of a 3rd generation addressable CMOS piezoresistive stress sensing test chip. Proceedings InterPACK 99 Sandia National Laboratories, Jun 1319, 1999, Maui, HI, USA, pp. 19.
Tseng FG, Yang CS, Pan LC (2004). An elastomeric tactile sensor employing dielectric constant variation and applicable to orthodontia. Technical Digest of the 17th IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, Jan 2529, 2004, Maastricht, The Netherlands, pp. 564567.
Tufte ON, Stelzer EL (1963). Piezoresistive properties of silicon diffused layers. J Appl Phys 34:313318.
Wichelhaus A, Sander C, Sander FG (2004). Development and biomechanical investigation of a new compound palatal arch. J Orofac Orthop 65:104122.[Medline]
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HOME | HELP | FEEDBACK | SUBSCRIPTIONS | ARCHIVE | SEARCH | TABLE OF CONTENTS |
| IADR Journals | Advances in Dental Research ® |
| Journal of Dental Research ® | Critical Reviews (1990-2004) |