A stress analysis of the periodontal ligament under various orthodontic loadings

The accurate modelling of teeth under orthodontic load in the laboratory has many shortcomings in that it has not been possible to integrate methods, such as three-dimensional models, photo-elastic stress analysis, laser holographic interferometry, and animal studies, to give comprehensive and repeatable results. In this study, using a three-dimensional finite element model of a human maxillary canine tooth, the maximum principal stresses in the periodontal ligament produced by various orthodontic forces were determined. 1 Newton tipping forces produced stresses at the cervical margin of the periodontal ligament as high as 0.196 N/mm2 and apical stresses up to -0.034 N/mm2, while rotatory forces of two equal, but opposing forces of 0.5 Newton at the cervical margin of the crown produced cervical margin stresses ranging between -0.035 and 0.051 N/mm2, and apical stresses of between 0.0018 and 0.0027 N/mm2. These stresses are examined and discussed in relation to previous clinical, laboratory, and histological studies.