Centre of Rotation of a Maxillary Central Incisor under Orthodontic Loading

The finite element method of stress analysis is used to model a maxillary central incisor, and the supporting structures of periodontium and alveolar bone. Analyses are then carried out for the tooth under various orthodontic-type loading conditions. In particular, attention is given to how the location of the instantaneous centre of rotation of the tooth is affected by such factors as the position and direction of the applied force and the mechanical properties of the periodontium.