Abstract:Objective To analyze the mechanical properties of V-bends with different materials, sizes of arch wires, angles, shapes, inter-bracket distances by using finite element method, so as to provide references for clinical practice of V-bends. Methods The finite element models of V-bends were established, including two kinds of materials (stainless steel, titanium-molybdenum alloy), two sizes(0.43 mm×0.64 mm, 0.48 mm×0.64 mm), two V-bend positions, two angles(150°, 165°),and two inter-bracket distances(7,10 mm), so as to compare and analyze their mechanical properties after simulative loading. Results The maximum force values produced by V-bends with stainless steel arch wire were greater than that of V-bends with β titanium steel arch wire. The force produced by V-bends with 0.43 mm×0.64 mm arch wire was smaller than that produced by V-bends with 0.48 mm×0.64 mm arch wire. The size of arch wire had a more obvious impact on V-bends with symmetrical arch wire. The force of V-bends with asymmetric arch wire was more evidently influenced by the change of inter-bracket distance. For V-bends with the same shape, the smaller the V-shaped angle, the greater the force on the bracket would be. Conclusions The V-bends with different materials, different sizes of arch wires, different shapes and inter-bracket distances will have different mechanical behaviors. In clinical application, the materials, sizes of arch wires, shapes and angles of V-bends should be adjusted properly according to the inter-bracket distances.