title: Nonlinear dependency of tooth movement on force system directions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Moment-to-force ratios (M:F) define the type of tooth movement. Typically, the relationship between M:F and tooth movement has been analyzed in a single plane. Here, to improve the 3-dimensional tooth movement theory, we tested the hypothesis that the mathematical relationships between M:F and tooth movement are distinct, depending on force system directions.
  
  
  METHODS
  A finite element model of a maxillary first premolar, scaled to average tooth dimensions, was constructed based on a cone-beam computed tomography scan. We conducted finite element analyses of the M:F and tooth movement relationships, represented by the projected axis of rotation in each plane, for 510 different loads.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We confirmed that a hyperbolic equation relates the distance and M:F; however, the constant of proportionality ("k") varied nonlinearly with the force direction. With a force applied parallel to the tooth's long axis, "k" was 12 times higher than with a force parallel to the mesiodistal direction and 7 times higher than with a force parallel to the buccolingual direction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The M:F influence on tooth movement depends on load directions. It is an incomplete parameter to describe the quality of an orthodontic load system if it is not associated with force and moment directions.
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate student, Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; visiting research scholar, Center for Dental Research, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, Calif.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Savignano
authors.affiliation: Associate professor, Department of Orthodontics, Center for Dental Research, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, Calif. Electronic address: rviecilli@llu.edu.
authors.forename: Rodrigo F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Viecilli
authors.affiliation: Assistant professor, Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Paoli
authors.affiliation: Assistant professor, Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Armando Viviano
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Razionale
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Sandro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Barone
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D014086:Tooth Mobility