Numerical Simulation of Orthodontic Tooth Movement Using BoneRemodeling Theories

Orthodontic tooth movement is the result of alveolar bone remodeling due to response tomechanical stimulus at the interface with periodontal ligament (PDL). Therefore, PDL plays a critical rolein the orthodontic tooth movement. The present study sought to develop a numerical model capable ofsimulating orthodontic bone remodeling. A three dimensional finite elements model of mandibular incisorhas been constructed based on CT data from a 15-year-old boy. Simulations of orthodontic tooth movementwere performed for tooth translation (bodily movement). The normal strain of periodontal ligament wasassumed to be the key mechanical stimulus for alveolar bone remodeling. As bone remodeling is an iterativeprocedure, tooth position and the geometry of tooth supporting structures were updated at each iteration.The results indicated that the amount of translation were in accordance with clinical observations.Therefore, orthodontic bone remodeling, and consequently, orthodontic tooth movement can be simulatedusing finite element method. These simulations can be used in treatment planning strategy and predictingclinical tooth movement.

Keywords:

orthodontic tooth movement , biomechanics , bone remodeling , finite element method