A finite element analysis of the center of resistance of a maxillary first molar

Cho, Jeong Hyeon; Lee, Ki Soo; Park, Young Guk

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse the center of resistance of the maxillary first molar using the 3-dimension finite element method. An extracted maxillary first molar of normal shape and average root length was selected and sectioned every 1.5mm parallel to the cementoenamel junction. Each section was traced and digitized to construct 3-D finite element model of the maxillary first molar. After a certain magnitude of counterbalancing moment(M) was applied to the tooth, a varying single force(F) of distomesial direction was applied to a certain point of the tooth until the tooth was translated. The force producing translation(Ft) was substituted to the equation deltad = M/Ft to calculate the center of resistance of the maxillary first molar. And reducing the alveolar bone level 1.68mm, and 3.36mm below to the cementoenamel junction, the tooth movement was analysed to see the effect of reducing the alveolar bone level to the location of the center of resistance. The results were as follows; 1. The center of resistance of the maxillary first molar was 3.72mm apical, 1.10mm buccal, and 0.71mm mesial to the geometric center of the horizontally sectioned surface at the cementoenamel junction. This point was 0.36mm apical, 1.20mm buccal, and 0.71mm mesial to the trifurcation point, indicating that it was not on the tooth root. 2. As the alveolar bone level was reduced, the center of resistance of the maxillary first molar was moved to the apical direction.