On the mechanical behaviour of human tooth structures: An application of the finite element method of stress analysis

Abstract

The Finite Element Method of stress analysis is employed in axisymmetric, two and three-dimensional forms, to investigate the mechanical behaviour of dental structures under simulated oral loading conditions. Stress distributions which are examined, include those occuring in the crowns of normal teeth due to masticatory loading and in restored teeth as a consequence of the restoration's setting and thermal expansions. The force distributions occuring on roots of individual teeth and on teeth used as abutments for various bridge constructions are also investigated for both axial and non-axial loading and various alveolar bone support conditions. The instantaneous centres of rotation of teeth when subjected to orthodontic loading are also determined.

The Finite Element Method is employed to examine various published hypotheses which attempt to correlate the mechanical behaviour of bone structures with that tissue's biological response characteristics. The cases examined include the remodelling of the alveolar process subsequent to orthodontic treatment and the remodelling or so-called straightening of the malaligned long bone.

Utilising published experimental data, the Finite Element Method is also employed in a reverse mode to enable some hitherto unknown mechanical properties of the periodontal membrane and cortical bone tissues to be determined. Indeed, due to the flexibility of the method, it was possible to represent these tissues as orthotropic materials.

The work is presented in two volumes. While the first volume contains all the results of the analyses, the second contains an outline of the relevant finite element theory. Nevertheless, where the theory has been extended, in particular in the area of non-isotropic material analysis, it is developed in greater depth. The second volume also contains both a thorough description and a listing of all the computer programs developed.