Analysis of stress related changes in the periodontal ligament of posterior segment during orthodontic force application: A three dimensional finite element study
Affiliations: Department of Orthodontics, Yenepoya Dental College, Mangalore, India
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Ajeesha Nair JS, Dept of Orthodontics, Yenepoya Dental College, Mangalore, India. E-mail:ajeesha.nair@gmail.com
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to use the finite element method to
investigate the stress related changes in periodontal ligament of the
posterior segment under orthodontic force application. The three dimensional
finite element models of the maxillary first molar, maxillary first
premolar, bracket,arch wire and molar tube are constructed. The models of
the tooth were made from CT scans of the natural tooth. Dimensions of the
tooth were taken from the Wheeler's text book. Mechanical parameters of
PDL, root, alveolar bone and stainless steel wire were included. Two different
directions of forces, mesial and distal were used in five different
amounts, 250 g, 300 g, 350 g, 400 g, 450 g. Uneven distributions of the compressive
and tensile stresses were seen in the PDL. This was due to the tendency of
the teeth to rotate and tip instead of undergoing bodily movement.
Keywords: Finite element method, periodontal ligament, compressive stress, tensile stress
