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Orthodontic Tooth Movement Studied by Finite Element Analysis: an Update. What Can We Learn from These Simulations?

  • Craniofacial Skeleton (TG Chu and S Akintoye, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To produce an updated overview of the use of finite element (FE) analysis for analyzing orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Different levels of simulation complexity, including material properties and level of morphological representation of the alveolar complex, will be presented and evaluated, and the limitations will be discussed.

Recent Findings

Complex formulations of the PDL have been proposed, which might be able to correctly predict the behavior of the PDL both when chewing forces and orthodontic forces are simulated in FE models. The recent findings do not corroborate the simplified view of the classical OTM theories.

Summary

The use of complex and biologically coherent FE models can help understanding the mechanisms leading to OTM as well as predicting the risk of root resorption related to specific force systems and magnitudes.

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  1. Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, 720 Swanston St, Carlton VIC, Melbourne, 3053, Australia

    Paolo M. Cattaneo & Marie A. Cornelis

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  1. Paolo M. Cattaneo
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Correspondence to Paolo M. Cattaneo.

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Cattaneo, P.M., Cornelis, M.A. Orthodontic Tooth Movement Studied by Finite Element Analysis: an Update. What Can We Learn from These Simulations?. Curr Osteoporos Rep 19, 175–181 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-021-00664-0

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