Strains in periodontal ligament and alveolar bone associated with orthodontic tooth movement analyzed by finite element.
BACKGROUND
Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is achieved by applying an orthodontic force system to the brackets. The (re)modeling processes of the alveolar support structures are triggered by alterations in the stress/strain distribution in the periodontium. According to the classical OTM theories, symmetric zones of compression and tension are present in the periodontium, but these do not consider the complex mechanical properties of the PDL, the alveolar structures' morphology, and the magnitude of the force applied.


METHODS
Human jaws segments obtained from autopsy were microCT-scanned and sample-specific finite element (FE) models were generated. The material behavior of the PDL was considered to be nonlinear and non-symmetric and the alveolar bone was modeled according to its actual morphology. A series of FE-analyzes investigated the influence of the moment-to-force ratio, force magnitude, and chewing forces on the stress/strain in the alveolar support structures and OTM.


RESULTS
Stress/strain findings were dependent on alveolar bone's morphology. Because of the nonlinear behavior of the PDL, distinct areas of tension, and compression could not be detected. Secondary load transfer mechanisms were activated and the stress/strain distribution in the periodontium was concealed by occlusal forces.


CONCLUSIONS
We could not confirm the classical ideas of distinct and symmetrical compressive and tensile areas in the periodontium in relation to different OTM scenarios. Light continuous orthodontics forces will be perceived as intermittent by the periodontium. Because roots and alveolar bone morphology are patient-specific, FE-analysis of orthodontic loading regime should not be based on general models.
Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Aarhus, Aarhus C, Denmark. pcattaneo@odont.au.dk
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Cattaneo
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Dalstra
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Melsen
D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000502:physiology*; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000502:physiology; D001732:Bite Force; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000502:physiology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003481:Cuspid / Q000502:physiology; D004735:Energy Transfer; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D008963:Molar / Q000502:physiology; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000502:physiology*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography