Where is the center of resistance of a maxillary first molar? A 3-dimensional finite element analysis

The center of resistance (C_Res) is regarded as the fundamental reference point for predictable tooth movement. Accurate estimation can greatly enhance the efficiency of orthodontic tooth movement. Only a handful of studies have evaluated the C_Res of a maxillary first molar; however, most had a low sample size (in single digits), used idealized models, or involved 2-dimensional analysis. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine the 3-dimensional (3D) location of the C_Res of maxillary first molars, (2) evaluate its variability in a large sample, and (3) investigate the effects of applying orthodontic load from 2 directions on the location of the C_Res.

Cone-beam computed tomography scans of 50 maxillary molars from 25 patients (mean age, 20.8 ± 8.7 years) were used. The cone-beam computed tomography volume images were manipulated to extract 3D biological structures via segmentation. The segmented structures were cleaned and converted into virtual mesh models made of tetrahedral triangles having a maximum edge length of 1 mm. The block, which included the molars and periodontal ligament, consisted of a mean of 7753 ± 2748 nodes and 38,355 ± 14,910 tetrahedral elements. Specialized software was used to preprocess the models to create an assembly and assign material properties, interaction conditions, boundary conditions, and load applications. Specific loads were applied, and custom-designed algorithms were used to analyze the stress and strain to locate the C_Res. The C_Res was measured in relation to the geometric center of the buccal surface of the molar and the trifurcation of the molar roots.

The average location of the C_Res for the maxillary first molar was 4.94 ± 1.39 mm lingual, 2.54 ± 2.7 mm distal, and 7.86 ± 1.66 mm gingival relative to the geometric center of the buccal surface of the molar and 0.136 ± 1.51 mm lingual (P <0.01), 1.48 ± 2.26 mm distal (P <0.01), and 0.188 ± 1.75 mm gingival (P >0.01) relative to the trifurcation of the molar roots. In the anteroposterior (y-axis) and the vertical (z-axis) planes, the C_Res showed significant association with root divergence (P <0.01).

The C_Res of the maxillary first molar was located apical and distal to the trifurcation area. It showed significant variation in its location. The 3D location of and also varied with the force direction. In some samples, this deviation was large. For accurate and predictable movement, tooth-specific C_Res need to be calculated.