Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 15, 2025
3D Imaging of PDL Collagen Fibers during Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Mandibular Murine Model
Published on: April 15, 2021
Biomechanical analysis of occlusal modes on the periodontal ligament while orthodontic force applied
Ming-Tzu Tsai1, Heng-Li Huang2,3, Shih-Guang Yang4
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hungkuang University, Taichung, 433, Taiwan.
Objective:
The study objective was to investigate four common occlusal modes by using the finite element (FE) method and to conduct a biomechanical analysis of the periodontal ligament (PDL) and surrounding bone when orthodontic force is applied.
Materials And Methods:
A complete mandibular FE model including teeth and the PDL was established on the basis of cone-beam computed tomography images of an artificial mandible. In the FE model, the left and right mandibular first premolars were not modeled because both canines required distal movement. In addition, four occlusal modes were simulated: incisal clench (INC), intercuspal position (ICP), right unilateral molar clench (RMOL), and right group function (RGF). The effects of these four occlusal modes on the von Mises stress and strain of the canine PDLs and bone were analyzed.
Results:
Occlusal mode strongly influenced the distribution and value of von Mises strain in the canine PDLs. The maximum von Mises strain values on the canine PDLs were 0.396, 1.811, 0.398, and 1.121 for INC, ICP, RMOL, and RGF, respectively. The four occlusal modes had smaller effects on strain distribution in the cortical bone, cancellous bone, and miniscrews.
Conclusion:
Occlusal mode strongly influenced von Mises strain on the canine PDLs when orthodontic force was applied.
Clinical Relevance:
When an FE model is used to analyze the biomechanical behavior of orthodontic treatments, the effect of muscle forces caused by occlusion must be considered.
