Strain patterns in cervical enamel of teeth subjected to occlusal loading

Abstract

Objectives. This study was planned to investigate the variations in strains in enamel under different patterns of occlusal loading, using three-dimensional finite element analysis (3D FEA) and strain gage measurements in extracted teeth. Methods. A 3D FEA model of a mandibular second premolar was used to investigate effects of occlusal load on enamel surface strains, particularly in response to oblique directions of cuspal loading. Point loads of 100 N were applied axially and at 45° from the vertical on the buccal or lingual incline of the buccal cusp, either in the bucco-lingual plane or at varying mesio-distal angulations (up to ±20°). Patterns of strain observed in the FEA model were con..