[Numerical study of tension and strain distribution around rat molars].
A knowledge of the mechanical processes triggered in the bone and periodontal ligament (PDL) by orthodontic forces applied to a tooth is of decisive importance for an understanding of the subsequent remodelling around the tooth. To investigate these mechanical relationships, three-dimensional finite element (FE) models of the first lower molar in the rat were established. On the basis of digitized serial histological sections, these FE models were generated semi-automatically. Using various simplified geometrical variations, an appropriate FE model for the analysis of the stress and strain distributions was established. The numerical analyses were carried out under a mesially directed force of 0.1 N. Stress distributions in the bone and PDL showed a similar pattern, while strains in the bone were lower than in the PDL by a factor of 10-5. The data confirm the assumption that strain patterns in the PDL may be the key stimulus of bone remodelling.
Poliklinik für Kieferorthopädie, Rheinischen Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn.
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Kawarizadeh
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C
Bourauel
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Götz
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A
Jäger
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000502:physiology; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D008963:Molar / Q000502:physiology*; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques