Effects of a newly designed orthodontic miniplate platform for elevating the miniplate over the gingiva: A 3-dimensional finite element analysis

• Miniplates can be elevated over the gingiva with a miniplate platform (MPP).
• Elevating the miniplate reduces stresses generated on the cortical bone.
• The MPP makes it easier to keep the miniplate clean.
• Elevating the miniplate may reduce complications and improve success rates.
• MPPs can be placed with only a gingival punch and removed without flap surgery.

IntroductionMiniplates are the treatment of choice for complex orthodontic and orthopedic problems. However, they require surgical placement and removal, and complications such as infection and mobility can occur. The aim of this finite element analysis was to investigate the effects of a newly designed miniplate platform to elevate the miniplate above the gingiva.MethodsA bone block was modeled in 3 dimensions, and 2 N of force was applied on miniplates in 2 scenarios. In scenario 1, the miniplate was fixed with 2 miniscrews on both ends; in scenario 2, miniplate platforms were first seated on the cortical bone surface with their spikes fully penetrating, and then the miniplate was fixed on top with 2 miniscrews.ResultsThe highest von Mises stress on the cortical bone decreased from 0.5 to 0.3 MPa when miniplate platforms were used. In scenario 2, the principal maximum stresses on the cortical bone around the miniscrews decreased from 0.42 and 0.48 MPa to 0.20 and 0.22 MPa, and the principal minimum stresses decreased from −0.45 and −0.48 MPa to −0.01 MPa.ConclusionsMiniplate platforms used to elevate the miniplate lowered the stresses generated on cortical bone around the miniscrews by distributing the stresses on the cortical bone surface. Patients can clean the miniplate more readily because it is elevated above the soft tissues. Placing the miniplate platforms requires only removing the gingiva with a punch, and their removal does not require flap surgery.