STRESS OF TOOTH AND PDL STRUCTURE CREATED BY BITE FORCE

Stress is created by the bite force and distributed along the tooth towards the PDL structure. It 1s of interest to investigate the complex tooth structure, consisting of enamel, dentine, pulp, and thin cementum layer and how it functions in stress distribution. This study was intended to analyze the role of the tooth and PDL structures in stress distribution, by using a three-dimensional finite element method. A mandibular first molar was constructed for the finite element model. The bite forces were measured by Pressensor, and these bite force values were programmed to load down upon the occlusal surface of the model. The results were expressed by stress contours and principal stress graphs. The stress was found to decrease as it distributed from the occlusal surface towards the cervical portion in the dentine and the pulp. In contrast, the stress, especially a compressive stress, increased gradually in the enamel layer in the lower half of the crown, in the same direction. It was apparent in displayed pattern of stress that the stress distributed outward towards the surrounding portion of the lower half of the crown. This resulted in a uniform magnitude of the principal stresses for all aspects of the mesial and distal roots. The stresses of both roots were generally compressive stress. When comparing the stress values of sampling points positioned between the root surfaces and the periphery of the PDL (the alveolar wall), all principal stresses for those of the PDL (periodontal ligament) were less than those of the root surfaces. These findings revealed that the PDL, the dentine, and the pulp functioned in cooperation in stress reduction; and the sequences of enamel, dentine, and pulp influenced the pattern of stress distribution. The different material properties of the tooth structure in sequence was considered a very important factor for stress reduction and for the pattern of stress distribution, especially in the root

Temporary tongue thrust: failure during orthodontic treatment

This report presents the case of a 25-year-old male patient who sought orthodontic treatment. Oral examination revealed an Angle Class I relation, with a bimaxillary dento-alveolar protrusion, evidence of anterior crowding, and a large overbite and overjet. Radiographic examination revealed a skeletal Class I occlusion. During the distal movement of the canines, occlusal interferences between the canines occurred and the commencement of a tongue thrust was observed. After correction of the applied forces, the canine movement was completed and the habit was no longer detectable. The incident indicates that an unusual oral habit suspiciously occurring during treatment should lead to an immediate reconsideration of the orthodontic treatment strategy

THREE-DIMENSIONAL DIGITIZATION: METHOD FOR EVALUATING MORPHOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TEETH

A new comparative method has been developed for evaluating morphological differences between a pair of teeth. This method consists of five steps: 1) digitization of the surface morphology of the teeth, 2) standardization to enable comparison of the teeth on a common axis, 3) reversal of data on one tooth to enable comparison with the opposite tooth, 4) qualitative evaluation by computer graphic superimposition and 5) quantitative evaluation by the set operation.To illustrate its effectiveness, this method was applied to a pair of extracted premolars Application to the dental crown on a clinical plaster cast was also discussed