title: Clinical presentations of stress distribution in teeth and the significance in operative dentistry.
abstract: Stress distribution in human tooth structure can be visualized through the use of Moiré fringes, which has improved the clinical understanding of recently identified anatomical structures in molar occlusal surfaces. This article discusses the concept of a "peripheral rim of enamel" and describes the manifestation of compressive and tensile fractures within the peripheral rim of enamel and dentin. It also emphasizes the benefits of microdentistry techniques and minimally invasive preparation designs in the long-term preservation of the natural tooth structure.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry, San Antonio, Texas, USA. milicich@wave.co.nz
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Milicich
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Rainey
mesh_terms: D001732:Bite Force; D019245:Compressive Strength; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000379:methods; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods; D003804:Dentin / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology; D003814:Dentistry, Operative; D004548:Elasticity; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D015903:Moire Topography; D008963:Molar / Q000502:physiology; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014070:Tooth / Q000502:physiology*; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000502:physiology