Objective To study stress distributions of lower dentition distally moved with miniscrews in external oblique line area when the traction hooks with different lengths were placed at different positions by the three-dimensional (3D) finite element method. Methods Based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data from a patient, traction hooks with the heights of 2 mm and 7 mm were constructed and fixed between the lateral incisors and the canine brackets, as well as between the canines and the first premolar brackets. Four kinds of 3D finite element models of full dentition distally moved with miniscrews were constructed. The 3 N traction force was loaded between the traction hook and the miniscrews. The maximum von Mises stress and initial displacement of the mandibular teeth and dentition under four working conditions were analyzed. ResultsWhen the traction hook with 7 mm-height was placed between the lateral incisor and the canine, the lower central incisor rotated clockwisely, with the crown moving labially and the root moving lingually. But under the other three working conditions, the central incisor rotated counterclockwisely, and the crown and root moved lingually. When the traction hook with 7 mm-height was placed between the canine and the first premolar, the lower canine crown moved proximally. But under the other three working conditions, both the crown and root moved distally. Under four working conditions, the mandibular molars all rotated counterclockwisely,with the crown and root moving distally. Conclusions Through 3D finite element analysis, biomechanical mechanism of the effect of different traction hooks on mandibular tooth movement during distalization of the lower dentition was elucidated.With full understanding of the biomechanical mechanism, proper selection for length and placement of the traction hook can achieve distal movement of the entire mandibular dentition more efficiently.