Where is the center of resistance of a maxillary first molar? A 3-dimensional finite element analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The center of resistance (CRes) is regarded as the fundamental reference point for predictable tooth movement. Accurate estimation can greatly enhance the efficiency of orthodontic tooth movement. Only a handful of studies have evaluated the CRes of a maxillary first molar; however, most had a low sample size (in single digits), used idealized models, or involved 2-dimensional analysis. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine the 3-dimensional (3D) location of the CRes of maxillary first molars, (2) evaluate its variability in a large sample, and (3) investigate the effects of applying orthodontic load from 2 directions on the location of the CRes. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography scans of 50 maxillary molars from 25 patients (mean age, 20.8 ± 8.7 years) were used. The cone-beam computed tomography volume images were manipulated to extract 3D biological structures via segmentation. The segmented structures were cleaned and converted into virtual mesh models made of tetrahedral triangles having a maximum edge length of 1 mm. The block, which included the molars and periodontal ligament, consisted of a mean of 7753 ± 2748 nodes and 38,355 ± 14,910 tetrahedral elements. Specialized software was used to preprocess the models to create an assembly and assign material properties, interaction conditions, boundary conditions, and load applications. Specific loads were applied, and custom-designed algorithms were used to analyze the stress and strain to locate the CRes. The CRes was measured in relation to the geometric center of the buccal surface of the molar and the trifurcation of the molar roots. RESULTS: The average location of the CRes for the maxillary first molar was 4.94 ± 1.39 mm lingual, 2.54 ± 2.7 mm distal, and 7.86 ± 1.66 mm gingival relative to the geometric center of the buccal surface of the molar and 0.136 ± 1.51 mm lingual (P <0.01), 1.48 ± 2.26 mm distal (P <0.01), and 0.188 ± 1.75 mm gingival (P >0.01) relative to the trifurcation of the molar roots. In the anteroposterior (y-axis) and the vertical (z-axis) planes, the CRes showed significant association with root divergence (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The CRes of the maxillary first molar was located apical and distal to the trifurcation area. It showed significant variation in its location. The 3D location of and also varied with the force direction. In some samples, this deviation was large. For accurate and predictable movement, tooth-specific CRes need to be calculated.

A Finite Element Approach for Locating the Center of Resistance of Maxillary Teeth.

The center of resistance (CRES) is regarded as the fundamental reference point for predictable tooth movement. The methods used to estimate the CRES of teeth range from traditional radiographic and physical measurements to in vitro analysis on models or cadaver specimens. Techniques involving finite element analysis of high-dose micro-CT scans of models and single teeth have shown a lot of promise, but little has been done with newer, low-dose, and low resolution cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Also, the CRES for only a few select teeth (i.e., maxillary central incisor, canine, and first molar) have been described; the rest have been largely ignored. There is also a need to describe the methodology of determining the CRES in detail, so that it becomes easy to replicate and build upon. This study used routine CBCT patient images for developing tools and a workflow to obtain finite element models for locating the CRES of maxillary teeth. The CBCT volume images were manipulated to extract three-dimensional (3D) biological structures relevant in determining the CRES of the maxillary teeth by segmentation. The segmented objects were cleaned and converted into a virtual mesh made up tetrahedral (tet4) triangles having a maximum edge length of 1 mm with 3matic software. The models were further converted into a solid volumetric mesh of tetrahedrons with a maximum edge length of 1 mm for use in finite element analysis. The engineering software, Abaqus, was used to preprocess the models to create an assembly and set material properties, interaction conditions, boundary conditions, and load applications. The loads, when analyzed, simulated the stresses and strains on the system, aiding in locating the CRES. This study is the first step in accurate prediction of tooth movement.