title: A review of the biomechanics of abfraction.
abstract: Loss of tooth substance in the cervical region is usually attributed to abrasion or erosion. However, the role of occlusal loading is becoming increasingly prominent. It is suggested that high occlusal loads result in large stress concentrations in the cervical region of the teeth. These stresses may be high enough to cause disruption of the bonds between the hydroxyapatite crystals, eventually resulting in the loss of cervical enamel. This article reviews the available evidence to support the thesis that occlusal loading can contribute to the process of non-carious cervical tooth loss or abfraction. It also reviews the potential interactions between occlusal loading and erosion that may contribute to non-carious cervical tooth loss.
authors.affiliation: Division of Restorative Dentistry, University of Bristol Dental School, Lower Maudlin St., Bristol, BS1 2LY. j.s.rees@bristol.ac.uk
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Rees
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001732:Bite Force; D003461:Crystallography; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017886:Durapatite / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014072:Tooth Abrasion / Q000503:physiopathology; D019237:Tooth Cervix / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014076:Tooth Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D017886:Durapatite