Stress distribution pattern in a root of maxillary central incisor having various root morphologies: a finite element study.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate stress distribution in the roots of maxillary central incisors bearing various types of root morphologies with regard to application of different types of orthodontic forces using the finite element model (FEM).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

FEMs of maxillary central incisors with different root morphologies (normal, short, blunt, dilacerated, and pipette) were constructed, and orthodontic forces in various directions (intrusion, extrusion, tipping, and rotational) were applied to the tooth axis at the bracket level.

RESULT: On application of various forces, significantly increased stress was seen at the apex of the root with dilacerated morphology and at the cervical one-third region of the tooth with the short root. Increased stress was observed at the middle one-third region in the tooth with the pipette-shaped root during intrusion and extrusion.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, the stress distribution pattern indicates that the maxillary central incisors with deviated root morphology are at higher risk of root resorption.