ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to investigate the dynamic responses of periodontal ligament and particularly the absorption of stress derived from occlusal and orthodontic force A 3-dimensional finite element model of a mandibular central incisor, together with its periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, was constructed. A simulated occlusal force was applied to the tooth in the model. Under these conditions, the stress and the displacement at various points of the model were computed by a finite element nonlinear dynamic analysis. The duration of simulated loading was varied to represent occlusal force and orthodontic force. The results showed that occlusal force and orthodontic force have different effects on periodontal ligament and alveolar bone.
