title: Scientific use of the finite element method in Orthodontics.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The finite element method (FEM) is an engineering resource applied to calculate the stress and deformation of complex structures, and has been widely used in orthodontic research. With the advantage of being a non-invasive and accurate method that provides quantitative and detailed data on the physiological reactions possible to occur in tissues, applying the FEM can anticipate the visualization of these tissue responses through the observation of areas of stress created from applied orthodontic mechanics.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article aims at reviewing and discussing the stages of the finite element method application and its applicability in Orthodontics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  FEM is able to evaluate the stress distribution at the interface between periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, and the shifting trend in various types of tooth movement when using different types of orthodontic devices. Therefore, it is necessary to know specific software for this purpose.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  FEM is an important experimental method to answer questions about tooth movement, overcoming the disadvantages of other experimental methods.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Luegya
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Knop
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Luiz Gonzaga
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Gandini
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ricardo Lima
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Shintcovsk
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marcia Regina Elisa Aparecida Schiavon
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Gandini
mesh_terms: D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000502:physiology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000379:methods*; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000502:physiology; D012984:Software; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques / Q000379:methods