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Updated: Jun 15, 2026

A Finite Element Approach for Locating the Center of Resistance of Maxillary Teeth
Published on: April 8, 2020
Does the center of resistance depend on the direction of tooth movement?
Brandon N Meyer1, Jie Chen, Thomas R Katona
1Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
Introduction:
The objective of this study was to compare the locations of the centers of resistance (CRes) in the buccolingual (BL) and mesiodistal (MD) directions of the mandibular central incisors of 6 dogs.
Methods:
Based on microcomputed tomography images of the teeth and their supporting tissues, solid models were used to build finite element models.
Results:
The CRes locations for the 6 specimens were determined for displacements in the BL and MD directions with finite element calculations. Measured from the alveolar crest, the BL and MD locations were 43% to 51% and 31% to 43% of root length, respectively. Their average locations, 46.2% and 38.3%, were statistically different at the 95% CI.
Conclusions:
The CRes location for BL tooth movement is significantly more apical than its MD counterpart.
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