Tissue Reaction to Orthodontic Force Systems. Are we in Control?

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to assess how an updated analysis of the biomechanical assumptions for segmented appliances as formulated by Burstone (1962) would influence clinical behavior. The focus is mainly on renewed discussion of the pressure-tension theory, the influence of the material properties, the influence of the morphology of the alveolar wall, the influence of the force level, and the influence of the interaction with occlusion. Theoretically, the idea of applying a force system in a well-determined relationship to the center of resistance makes sense, but clinically the observed displacement may not be what is expected based on the calculations, and the observed displacements..