Abstract
This paper presents the finite element modeling and performance evaluation of a biocompatible piezoelectric actuator using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as an effective way in accelerating teeth movement and shortening of orthodontic treatment. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric actuators are used as the source of mechanical vibration and energy conversion. The device has a compact design, and can be adjusted on different teeth based on patients’ needs. The finite element model is constructed by using COMSOL Multiphysics to evaluate the effectiveness of the device. The generated force on the targeted teeth for a range of DC voltages are evaluated, and thereafter a parametric study is conducted to evaluate the effect of PVDF actuator properties including its thickness and electrode area. The results show the device can generate 2.2 gr and 8.8 gr at 100 V applied voltage for 1 mm and 4 mm actuator thickness, respectively. For 1mm PVDF thickness at 100 V, the output force increases from 1 gr to 2.2 gr by increasing the active electrode area from 25 % center area to the whole surface area. The generated force of the proposed device on the targeted teeth provides an output force of 0.5 gr to 3.5 gr depending on teeth locations. The present results demonstrate the possibility of using PVDF to design piezoelectric teeth actuators.
