The biomechanics of abfraction

The role of occlusal loading in the development of non-carious cervical lesions is becoming increasingly prominent. It is suggested that high occlusal loads result in large stress concentrations in the cervical region of the teeth. These stresses may be high enough to cause disruption of the bonds between the hydroxyapatite crystals, eventually resulting in the loss of cervical enamel. This article reviews the evidence to support the thesis that occlusal loading can contribute to the process of non-carious cervical tooth loss or abfraction. It also reviews the potential interactions between occlusal loading and erosion that may contribute to non-carious cervical tooth loss.