OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of labiolingual inclination of a maxillary central incisor on the magnitude and distribution of stresses within the periodontal space. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five three-dimensional finite element models of a right maxillary central incisor were created with 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, and 40° inclination. Each incisor model was subjected to a 1 N lingual-directed force and 6-12 N·mm countertipping moment on the labial surface. The stress level within the periodontal ligament was calculated in terms of maximum principal stresses. RESULTS: With increased inclination, compressive stresses tended to increase whereas tensile stresses tended to decrease. The location where compressive stress was prevalent changed from the midroot area to the apical area on the lingual side, while the area where tensile stresses were predominant changed from the midroot area to the cervical area on the labial side. CONCLUSION: There are more compressive stresses concentrated at the apex of incisors with a high degree of inclination than in incisors that are more upright. This may be associated with the higher clinical incidence of apical root resorption found in inclined maxillary central incisors.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of labiolingual inclination of a maxillary central incisor on the magnitude and distribution of stresses within the periodontal space. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five three-dimensional finite element models of a right maxillary central incisor were created with 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, and 40° inclination. Each incisor model was subjected to a 1 N lingual-directed force and 6-12 N·mm countertipping moment on the labial surface. The stress level within the periodontal ligament was calculated in terms of maximum principal stresses. RESULTS: With increased inclination, compressive stresses tended to increase whereas tensile stresses tended to decrease. The location where compressive stress was prevalent changed from the midroot area to the apical area on the lingual side, while the area where tensile stresses were predominant changed from the midroot area to the cervical area on the labial side. CONCLUSION: There are more compressive stresses concentrated at the apex of incisors with a high degree of inclination than in incisors that are more upright. This may be associated with the higher clinical incidence of apical root resorption found in inclined maxillary central incisors.
Authors: Clarice Field; Ionut Ichim; Michael V Swain; Eugene Chan; M Ali Darendeliler; Wei Li; Qing Li Journal: Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop Date: 2009-02 Impact factor: 2.650