Surface strains induced by measured loads on teeth in vivo: a methodological study

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Dental Biomechanics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Understanding the biomechanical behavior of intact teeth is crucial for dental restoration and treatment planning.
• Accurate load application and strain measurement are essential for validating finite element models and experimental analyses of tooth structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a method for applying controlled near-axial loads to intact maxillary central incisors.
• To measure and analyze the resulting principal strains and their orientations on the labial surface of the incisor.
• To assess the feasibility of using this method for validating stress analyses and investigating restorative effects.

Main Methods:

• Three subjects utilized visual feedback to apply predetermined near-axial loads (10-50 N) to the incisal edge of intact maxillary central incisors.
• A multiple-element strain gauge recorded strains on the labial surface of the incisor.
• Principal strains and orientations were resolved from the recorded strain data.

Main Results:

• Accurate and precise load application was achieved, allowing for the resolution of strains induced by target loads.
• Axially oriented compressive labial surface strains were successfully induced and measured.
• The experimental setup demonstrated the capability to capture detailed strain responses.

Conclusions:

• The developed method provides a reliable means for applying controlled loads to incisors for biomechanical studies.
• This technique can be employed to validate bench-top stress analyses of dental structures.
• The method offers a valuable tool for investigating the impact of dental restorations on tooth structural integrity.