Abstract:Objective To evaluate the influence from deformation history of arch-wires on its orthodontic force. MethodsA finite element model including brackets and arch-wires in free status was built, and the position of brackets under clinical condition was obtained through laser scanning on the plaster dental model. Based on the finite element method, the brackets were moved to the clinical position through two different movement pathways, using a thermal-mechanical shape-memory-alloy model of arch-wires. The orthodontic force obtained from the two pathways were then compared and analyzed. Results The relative differences in the orthodontic force obtained from the two pathways were significant, with a range from 0.3 to 8.0. The influence of deformation pathway on the orthodontic force was reduced if the arch-wire was first overloaded and then unloaded to the clinical condition,but reduction of the orthodontic force varied at different positions of arch-wires, and the relative differences might increase at certain positions. Conclusions The deformation history of arch-wires has some direct relation with the orthodontic force produced on the NiTi shape-memory-alloy, and the evaluation on the orthodontic force should trace its deformation history.