Stresses induced by edgewise appliances in the periodontal ligament--a finite element study

The quantification of stress in the periodontal ligament is an important concept, as stress in this tissue is transmitted to the alveolus, with subsequent bone remodelling and tooth movement. A number of clinical studies have suggested figures for such an optimal stress range. This study makes use of a finite element technique to determine the stress induced in the periodontal ligament in three dimensions when a maxillary canine tooth is subjected to an orthodontic force similar to that produced by an edgewise appliance. The maximum stress induced at the cervical margin of the periodontal ligament was 0.072 N/mm2, while the maximum stress induced at the level of the apical foramen was 0.0038 N/mm2. These results are discussed in the light of known clinical experience and compared with the stresses produced in the periodontal ligament by other orthodontic forces. The findings would suggest that even with 'perfect' edgewise mechanics it would be difficult to obtain canine movement by pure translation or 'bodily movement.'