Numerical simulation of canine bodily movement

The aim of this study was to develop finite element (FE) models to simulate bodily movement of an orthodontic treatment of mandibular canine with decayed loads during a therapy period (4 weeks). The normal strain of periodontal ligament was assumed as the key mechanical stimulus for the surface bone remodeling. During the simulation processes, changes in tooth position and in the geometry of the tooth supporting structures and the decayed loads were taken into account. In this numerical simulation, the tooth movement displacements were 1.00 mm in the end of the therapy. The results of the simulation were similar to the observed in clinical studies. It was acceptable to simulate clinical tooth movements by FE method based on these mechanical assumptions. Such a numerical simulation would allow the understanding of tooth movements and help in better planning of individual strategies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.