A computer model of the periodontal ligament space in man.

An engineering model of the periodontal ligament fibres was used to calculate length changes in the fibres with: direct occlusal forces on the tooth, occlusal loads on other teeth in the arch and splinting. The fibre elongations appear to influence tooth eruption, the clinical behaviour of splinted and non-splinted teeth, and the establishment of vertical dimension of occlusion and occlusal plane height. The model also provides insight into the controversy surrounding the intermediate plexus of the ligament.