LUIZ, Nelis Evangelista et al. Optimization design of orthodontic screws aiming at increasing the mechanical strength. Innov. Implant. J., Biomater. Esthet. (Online) []. 2010, 5, 2, pp. 30-34. ISSN 1984-5960.

Orthodontic screws are used to move teeth in several directions during orthodontic dental treatment. The forces involved during insertion and during the service of the orthodontic screws deserve special attention because they can lead to fracture of the same leading to treatment failure. Loads supported by orthodontic screws can be divided into insertion loads and activation loads. Among these two groups insertion loads are the most significant and should be taken into consideration for the product design. This paper is about optimization of the mechanical strength of orthodontic screws with regard to the efforts that they are subjected during the surgical insertion. This article reports continuous improvement actions implemented to improve the mechanical performance of orthodontic screws. The design modifications proposed allowed a gain of up to 54% in flexural strength of screw models analyzed.

: Orthodontics; Tooth movement; Dental implants.